2023-24 SEASON

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Enjoy these insights into Antonin Dvořák!


The Dvořák American Heritage Association (DAHA) invites you to explore the many offerings on their website, which present the story of Antonín Dvořák in America and more. Timeline of Dvořák in America, with expanded text highlighting Dvořák’s interest in African American and Native American musical culture. Comprehensive biography of Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) by Dvořák scholar David Beveridge, who has written extensively about the prolific Czech composer. Virtual visit to the Dvořák Room at Bohemian National Hall.

Explore Czech Culture


To enhance your experience of Czech culture, we invite you on a virtual tour of the Czech Republic. Start with a Virtual Tour of Old Czech New York HERE. Learn about the extravagant food tastes of Leoš Janáček HERE, take a virtual tour of Prague HERE, visit the Kafka museum HERE and learn about the history of Czech beer HERE.

In collaboration with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York, on November 9, 2020 the Salon de Virtuosi presented a special virtual concert, Czech Serenade, featuring performances and interviews with Czech violinist Julie Svěcená, winner of numerous international competitions and one of the leading Czech young musicians of her generation, and Sterling Elliott, winner of the 2019 Sphinx Competition and a bright rising star.


The artists performed from Prague as well as New York's historic Bohemian National Hall in a program recorded especially for the Salon de Virtuosi audience, members, and benefactors.


The concert included a thrilling program for violin and piano by Julie Svěcená and acclaimed pianist Lucie Tóth. Including works by Dvořák, Smetana, and Suk, Julie’s selection of pieces for this program showcase Dvořák's connection to New York -- he wrote his Sonatina in 1893 (November to December) while he was a director of the National Conservatory of Music. Because it is his 100th Opus, he dedicated this piece to his children Otýlie and Antonín. Read more about Julie Svěcená's achievements HERE and her pianist Lucie Toth HERE.


We were also delighteded to present an exciting performance recorded for the Salon by Sterling Elliott, cello and pianist Luis F. Ortiz at the historic Bohemian National Hall in New York. The recording focuses on beloved works by Czech composers, including Janáček, Dvořák, and Suk. You can learn more about Sterling Elliott HERE and Luis F. Ortiz HERE.


As a special bonus, we are including recent interviews with the artists where they share insights about their lives, musical inspiration, hobbies, and how they are adapting to life during this period.


Our deepest thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Miroslav Rameš, Consul General of the Czech Republic in New York, for his generous support of this event. We look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the Czech Consulate for many years to come.

THE PROGRAM

A CZECH SERENADE

Sterling Elliott, Cello

Luis F. Ortiz, Piano


Josef Suk (1874 - 1935): Ballade and Serenade, Op.3

Leoš Janáček (1854-1928): Pohádka

Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904): Silent Wood Op.68 No.5


Julie Svěcená, Violin

Lucie Tóth, Piano


Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904): Sonatina in G major, Op. 100

I. Allegro risoluto

II. Larghetto

III. Scherzo. Molto vivace — Trio

IV. Finale. Allegro

Josef Suk (1874 - 1935): Violin Solo from "Radúz and Mahulena"

Bedřich Smetana (1824 - 1884): From the Homeland

I. Moderato

II. Andantino—Moderato

Lora Tchekoratova Interviews Julie Svěcená

Lora Tchekoratova Interviews Sterling Elliott

ENJOY WATCHING THE ENTIRE CONCERT HERE