The festival is an initiative spearheaded by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, focusing on the mutual inspirations between Czech and American cultures. The festival takes place at cultural, religious, and educational centers through a variety of forms, such as music, art, film, and literature.

Antonín Dvořák was one of the most prominent Czech classical composers. Due to his revolutionary thinking of the time, Dvořák left a legacy through his students who would later instruct American legends George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Aaron Copland. Moreover, taking in the sounds of America, Dvořák was inspired to create his most famous piece Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World," which was listened to by U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong during man's first landing on the Moon.

 

 

KEY EVENTS:

On September 17, 2011, at 7 pm, the National Museum of the American Indian will hold a concert-drama of Dvořák's famous New World Symphony, featuring the Catholic University of America Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Murry Sidlin.

On September 25, 2011, at 10 am, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (lower level Crypt Church) will honor Dvořák and the 200th birthday of Saint Jan Nepomucene Neumann with a special mass celebrated with Archbishop of Prague, Dominik Duka, and the Choir of the Basilica.

On October 1, 2011, at 1 pm, the Library of Congress will host an exclusive symposium led by Dvořák scholar Michael Beckerman, who will address the composer's dream of portraying the soul of American music through African American rhythms. Director of the Dvořák Museum in Prague, Eva Velická, will present facsimiles of Dvořák’s works.

On October 28, 2011, at 7:30 pm, the Washington National Cathedral will feature Dvořák's Columbian Te Deum presented by the 150-voice Cathedral Choral Society and special guest, soprano Alexandra Berti from the Czech Republic.

For a complete schedule of events, please visit www.mutualinspirations.org or SCROLL DOWN.

(Please note: Events are being added on a continuing basis.)

FACT SHEET:

Who created the Mutual Inspirations Festival?
The Mutual Inspirations Festival 2011—Antonín Dvořák is an initiative spearheaded by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, under the patronage of Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, focusing on the mutual inspirations between Czech and American cultures.          

Who is participating in the festival?        
The festival features over 500 local and international artists – both amateurs and professionals.           

When is the festival? / Are the events free? 
September 8 (Dvořák’s 170^th Birthday) – October 28, 2011 (Czech National Day)       
Some events require a fee, but many of the events are free and open to the public.     

Where does the festival take place?
The festival takes place mainly throughout the Washington, DC, community, at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, National Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collection, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Embassy of the Czech Republic, and many others. Additionally, the Czech Center is presenting a special event on Sept. 8, 2011 in New York City for Dvořák’s 170^th birthday, and the Czech Consulate in Los Angeles, CA, has also organized some events celebrating Dvořák on the West Coast. Visit www.mutualinspirations.org for a complete listing of venues.               

What is the festival’s mission?    
The goal of the festival is to bring the community together, accentuate the inspiration between different cultures, and see how this collaboration has led to ingenious works. This year, the festival highlights music and Czech classical composer Antonín Dvořák. Next year, the focus of the festival will be on film and a different personality. Stay posted to learn who the next personality will be for 2012!              

What types of events are associated with the festival?        
The festival does not solely feature the works of Dvořák. It also presents the “threads” of inspirations which include those that have inspired Dvořák and/or those that he has inspired. Furthermore, the events may showcase the Czech-American connection through the world of music, or even inspire others to create new work. Through the festival, a variety of events are presented, from concerts and lectures, to exhibitions and film. Most importantly, the festival serves as an outlet for audiences to “BE INSPIRED.”   

Why focus on Antonín Dvořák?
Dvořák was inspired by America to create some of his most famous works. He is one of the most prominent Czech classical composers of all time. It was his remarkable creativity and progressiveness which gained him fame even in his own lifetime, eventually bringing him for several years to the United States, where he also left an enormous musical footprint. While working in New York City, the composer, coming from humble beginnings in the Czech lands of Central Europe, took in the sounds of Native and African Americans and produced at the end of the 19^th century one of the most listened to symphonies on Earth called From the New World. In the 20^th century, this beautiful piece inspired in yet another new world as U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong took man’s first steps on the moon. Dvořák’s work continues to inspire audiences even in the 21^st century. 
               
Beyond composing and directing, Antonín Dvořák left a legacy through those he taught at the National Conservatory in New York in his three years there. Dvořák’s students, Henry Burleigh, Will Marion Cook, Rubin Goldmark, Harry Rowe Shelly, and Edwin Franko Goldman, all eventually made meaningful contributions to musical life and literature. They carried the torch of American music to those who would become great American legends. Goldmark taught George Gershwin and instructed Aaron Copland in the fundamentals of counterpoint and composition; Shelly instructed Charles Ives on the organ; and Cook became a pioneer of black musical theater and a mentor to the great jazz composer and performer, Duke Ellington. Through mutual inspirations, new masterpieces continue to be created.

Where can I find out more information about the festival?

Visit www.mutualinspirations.org for complete information about the festival.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS     
(Events open to the public in the Washington, DC area)

SPECIAL EVENTS           

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT! On September 17, 2011, at 7 pm, the National Museum of the American Indian will hold a concert-drama of Dvořák’s famous New World Symphony, which the composer produced in America’s honor, featuring the Catholic University of America Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Murry Sidlin. Admission is free.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT! On September 25, 2011, at 10 am, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (lower level Crypt Church) will honor Dvořák and the 200^th birthday of Saint Jan Nepomucene Neumann through a special mass celebrated with Archbishop of Prague, Dominik Duka and the Choir of the Basilica.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT! On October 1, 2011, at 1 pm, the Library of Congress will host an exclusive symposium in the Whittall Pavilion led by Dvořák scholar Michael Beckerman, who will address the composer’s dream of portraying the soul of American music through African American rhythms. Eva Velická, Director of the Dvořák Museum in Prague, will also present facsimiles of Dvořák’s American compositions as well as discuss "The Stories That Manuscripts Tell.” The event concludes in the Coolidge Auditorium with a lecture-recital, "Dvořák and Black Music" featuring tenor Reginald Bouknight singing arrangements of Henry “Harry” Burleigh spirituals, as well as other melodies of African American music that Dvořák encountered during his American years. Admission is free. Reservations recommended for the Symposium by e-mailing reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “Symposium” in the subject line.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT! On October 28, 2011, at 7:30 pm, the Washington National Cathedral will feature Dvořák’s Te Deum and Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass presented by the 150-voice Cathedral Choral Society and special guest, soprano Alexandra Berti from the Czech Republic. Tickets can be purchased by calling 202/537-2228.

PREMIERES

WORLD PREMIERE! On September 21, 2011, at 7:30 pm, Washington Musica Viva presents the world premiere of Dvořák Jazz Dances by contemporary composer Charley Gerard at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. The 5-member band includes Carl Banner (piano), Herman Burney (bass), Lenny Robinson (drums), Syberen van Munster (guitar) and Charley Gerard (alto saxophone). Admission is $20. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “WMV Jazz” in the subject line.

AMERICAN PREMIERE! On October 13, 2011, at 6 pm, The Phillips Collection Music Room will host the Czech contemporary music ensemble Fama Quartet, performing the American premiere of the original composition Engrams, written by Czech contemporary composer Miroslav Srnka. Embassy-sponsored event, suggested donation at the door is $20.Advance reservations strongly recommended: www.phillipscollection.org/music.

AMERICAN PREMIERE! On October 27, 2011, at 11 am, the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage will host the American premiere of Miloš Orson Štědroň's Tony D., a Western musical showdown featuring “good guy” Tony D. and “bad guy” Zdeněk Nejedlý. The performance will be accompanied by live music inspired by Western films. The event is part of the Kids Euro Festival. Admission is free. Reservations are not required.

CONCERTS

On September 11, 2011, at 5 pm, the Embassy of the Czech Republic presents Tre Mezzi, comprised of mezzo sopranos Sylvia Twine, Shawnee Ball, and Kehembe V. Eichelberger, who will perform a program of music by Antonín Dvořák, Harry Burleigh, and Duke Ellington. Czech Ambassador Petr Gandalovič will open the event dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the victims of September 11. Admission is free. For reservations, e-mail amb_washington@embassy.mzv.cz and put “Tre Mezzi” in the subject line.  

On September 15, 2011, the Embassy of the Czech Republic welcomes Washington Musica Viva, featuring Carl Banner (piano), Elizabeth Kluegel (soprano), Karyn Friedman (mezzo soprano), Elizabeth Field (violin), and Uri Wassertzug performing Dvořák’s 13 Moravian Duets and Martinů’s Piano Quartet. Admission is $20. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “WMV Dvorak” in the subject line.   

On September 18, 2011, at 6:30 pm, the Rome Trio, featuring Jody Gatwood (violin), Ivo Kaltchev (piano) and Michael Marmagen (cello), will perform Dvořák’s “Dumky Trio” in the West Building, West Garden Court of the National Gallery of Art, with a pre-concert lecture by Gallery Music Department Head Stephen Ackert on Art in the time of Dvořák’s sojourn in America. Admission is free.

On September 22, 2011 at 6 pm, world-renowned Czech pianist Radoslav Kvapil will perform an all-Dvořák program at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. International critics continue to praise him as one of the finest exponents of Czech piano music. Admission is free.

On September 23, 2011 at 7:30 pm, distinguished pianist Radoslav Kvapil returns to the Embassy of the Czech Republic performing a special program of Czech composers. Admission is $10. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “Kvapil” in the subject line.          

On September 30, 2011, at 7:30 pm, the Chris Johnston Trio with special guests Herb Smith (saxophone) and Michael Thomas (trumpet) will perform a salute to Czech composing giant Antonín Dvořák at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. The program will include the works of Harry T. Burleigh, Will Marion Cook, and Rubin Goldmark—American composers who were students of Dvořák. The program will also feature works by George Gershwin, a student of Goldmark, and Duke Ellington, a student of Cook. The trio includes Chris Johnston (piano), Wes Biles (Bass), and Clai Richardson (Drums), Admission is $20. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “Jazz Quintet” in the subject line.            

On October 5, 2011, at 6 pm, Washington Musica Viva presents Dvořák Jazz Dances by contemporary composer Charley Gerard at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. The original composition was inspired by two series of famous Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances. Admission is free.  

On October 7, 2011, at 7:30 pm, the Embassy will host the concert of young artists Mary Victoria Voustas, Ronny Thammasathiti (both pianists), and Solomia Gorokhivska (violinist)  accompanied by pianist Ilya Sinaisky in a program devoted to Dvořák. The program features Slavonic Dances for four hands and selections by the composer on violin. Admission is $20, reservation needed. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “Young Artists” in the subject line.    

On October 9, 2011, at 5:15 pm, internationally renowned Czech organist Pavel Kohout will perform Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World” and other works at the Washington National Cathedral. Suggested Donation is $10. Reservations are not required.

On October 11, 2011, at 7 pm, Charles University scholar Richard Müller will give a lecture-recital about Škvorecký and Dvořák at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Prof. Müller will talk about Škvorecký’s novel Dvorak In Love and about the composer’s stay in the US.  The lecture will be followed by a recital, the duet of the violinist Emily Arai and Prof. Richard Müller playing on the piano. Admission is free. For reservations, e-mail reservations@mutualinspirations.org and put “Dvorak in Love” in the subject line.   

On October 16, 2011, at 4 pm, The Phillips Collection Music Room welcomes the Czech contemporary music ensemble Fama Quartet, David Danel (first violin), Aki Kuroshima(second violin), Ondřej Martinovský (viola) and Balázs Adorján (cello),  performing Dvořák’s famous “American” quartet and Tercet/Tercetto/Terzett, as well as works by Martinů and Husa. Admission is $20, advance registration recommended: www.phillipscollection.org/music     

On October 21, 2011, at 7:30 pm, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in collaboration with Embassy Series presents young violinist Josef Špaček performing works by Dvořák, Janáček, and Smetana. Among others, Špaček will perform Dvořák’s famous Sonatina in G major op. 100, and Songs My Mother Taught Me. Admission is $75. Tickets can be purchased by e-mailing concerts@embassyseries.org or calling 202/625-2361.

On October 25, 2011, at 7 pm, Czech Soprano Alexandra Berti will perform a recital of Antonín Dvořák´s songs and opera arias at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. She will be accompanied by Czech pianist Vojtěch Spurný, one of the most famous Czech musicians of his generation. Admission is free.

On October 27, 2011, at 6 pm, the DC Youth Orchestra pays tribute to Dvořák in a special performance of the composer’s acclaimed Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World,” conducted by Maestro Berard in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. The event is also a part of the Kids Euro Festival. Admission is free.

FILMS

On September 14, 2011, at 8 pm, the Avalon Theater will screen acclaimed director Miloš Forman’s film A Walk Worthwhile. The film is based on the jazz opera of the legendary writing duo Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr, Czech musicians who were inspired by American jazz. Songs from this musical play became legendary in the Czech Republic. Ticket prices vary. The film is in Czech with English subtitles.

On October 22, 2011, at 11 am, the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center will feature Jan Svěrák's new film Kooky, an animated film that reveals the story of a six-year-old asthmatic boy whose parents force him to throw away his favorite toy, an old teddy bear named Kooky. The film received three Czech Lions for Best Music, Sound, and Film Editing, as well as the Crystal Globe at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film is in English. Admission is free.

EXHIBITIONS         

From September 9-30, 2011, the Embassy of the Czech Republic will feature Czech artist Jiří Grossmann’s collection of paintings called “From the New World,” inspired by Dvořák’s New World Symphony and Te Deum. The exhibition will be on view to the public Monday through Thursday (10 am–4 pm) and Friday (10–2 pm). Please call 202/274-9105 to schedule an appointment.

From September 9-30, 2011, the Embassy of the Czech Republic has on view Czech traveler Jaroslav Charfreitág’s photographs entitled Trip to the “New World” 1902–1903, which gives a glimpse of New York during the time of Antonín Dvořák.The exhibition will be on view to the public Monday through Thursday (10 am–4 pm) and Friday (10–2 pm). Please call 202/274-9105 to schedule an appointment.

From October 3-31, 2011, the Embassy of the Czech Republic will display Czech artist Gabriela Kopecká’s four Mucha-style posters representing characters in Dvořák’s opera Rusalka. In the posters, Kopecká uses images of Czech sopranos in the opera’s roles: Ema Destinnová as Rusalka (Water Nymph), Jarmila Novotná as the Wood Sprite, Eva Urbanová as the Foreign Princess, and Dagmar Pecková as the Witch.The posters will be on view to the public Monday through Thursday (10 am–4 pm) and Friday (10–2 pm). Please call 202/274-9105 to schedule an appointment.

From October 3-31, 2011, the Embassy of the Czech Republic presents the exhibition Great Czechs by Little Czechs, created by children of the Czech Republic through an art education project. A look inside this ingenious collection reveals drawings and short descriptions by the children of such notables as Antonín Dvořák, former President Václav Havel, and film director Miloš Forman. The exhibition will be on view to the public Monday through Thursday (10 am–4 pm) and Friday (10–2 pm). Please call 202/274-9105 to schedule an appointment.