We are pleased to present the upcoming concerts: “A Deeper Perspective: Special Programme for the Year of Czech Music Exploring New Contexts of Dvořák and Smetana, the Pillars of Czech Music” and “České skladatelky: Exploring the Path of Women Composers in Czech Music” with renowned Czech-American composer Katelyn Bouska on July 19-20.

For her first concert on Friday at 6:30pm, Katelyn will delve deeper into the history and work of renowned Czech composers: Dvořák and Smetana have long been heralded as the founders of the rich tradition of Czech music that the world continues to enjoy today. But how did they come to be? What were their influences and environments? What is this rich history that they draw upon in their writing? This program aims to expand the space around each composer, offering not only a fresh perspective but also an invitation to a broader context for Czech music as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth.

Saturday’s concert, beginning at 12:00, is a narrated concert – both a performance and a presentation, Katelyn will explore the Czech women composers who have contributed to the sounds and aesthetics of what Czech music has become. The program flows into the present with works by the recently rediscovered Slavá Vorlová and the recently deceased Ivana Loudová. The music of the evening celebrates these composers and contributes to the fullness of the rich heritage of Czech music.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

With interpretations described as “full of life, flexibility, engaging rhythms and a wealth of dynamic shadings” (Milan Bátor, Czech Radio) and an ability to engage the audience in the musical dialogue, Katelyn Bouska is a frequent solo and collaborative musician. Her unique programming, in which she combines rarely heard Czech and American music with compositions written especially for her by emerging composers, has found audiences across the United States and on the international concert stage. Katelyn currently lives in Philadelphia, where she is on the faculty of music studies at the Curtis Institute of Music.

www.katelynbouska.com