See what’s coming up on on the BCSA’s Events Calendar.
Božena Němcová's ‘Babička’ is one of the best-loved works of Czech literature. She herself was a prominent figure in 19th-century literary circles and the National Revival despite the disadvantages which she faced as a woman writer and in a troubled personal life. Susan Reynolds will consider the two existing translations into English (1891 and 1962),... Read more »
This focus session on the composers sent to Terezín in the 1940s includes a talk by writer and broadcaster Simon Broughton, a filmed interview with holocaust survivor Zdenka Fantlová, and a screening of the award-winning film The Music of Terezín. Theresienstadt – or Terezín to give it its Czech name – was a Nazi camp where... Read more »
This concert brings together string chamber works by four of the most artistically active composers who spent time in Terezín. Klein, Krása and Domažlický all wrote their pieces at the camp, whilst Haas’s Janáček-inspired Second Quartet dates from the 1920s. Gideon Klein (1919-1945) String Trio František Domažlický (1913-1997) ... Read more »
Ullman and Krása – students of Schoenberg and Zemlinsky respectively – feature in this programme alongside the so-called ‘father’ of Czech nationalist music, Smetana. Krása’s Brundibár was performed an astonishing 55 times in Terezín, carefully arranged by its composer for the forces available in the camp. Viktor Ullman (1898-1944) String Quartet No. 3 Op. 46 Bedřich Smetana... Read more »
Join us to celebrate the bicentenary of Bedřich Smetana, the Czech composer whose melodies have echoed through generations and whose music includes the enchanting cycle of symphonic poems My Country and the popular opera The Bartered Bride. Delve into Smetana's fascinating journey with us as we explore his tumultuous life, his unwavering nationalist spirit, and... Read more »
This is an opportunity for anyone interested in the British Czech and Slovak Association (members, supporters and friends) to meet, eat, drink, chat (maybe practise your Czech or Slovak) and get to know each other in a relaxed and informal setting. Everyone interested in Czech and/or Slovak matters is most welcome to join us. We... Read more »
A tale of honour, love and sacrifice, Leoš Janáček's opera Jenůfa explores the stigma of pregnancy out of wedlock against the backdrop of a small community. Loved by two half-brothers, Jenůfa is secretly pregnant by one of them. Abandoned by the child’s father, she gives birth alone, only assisted by her stepmother. Unaware of the... Read more »
The BCSA AGM is open to all subscription members. The agenda includes the presentation of the chairman’s and financial reports for 2023 plus the election of honorary officers of the executive committee. Copies of the independently examined accounts for 2023 and the minutes of the AGM held on 21 March 2023 will be available at... Read more »
The Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša and musicologist Nigel Simeone will discuss their musical careers & Czech music. They will go back to their musical beginnings, their life experiences in various countries and the role that classical music and Czech music play in contemporary society. Their common loves, such as Leoš Janáček or Leonard Bernstein, will... Read more »
The Significance of Arthur Fleischmann’s International Career See our profile of Arthur Fleischmann here The decision by the City Council of Bratislava in 2023 to close the Arthur Fleischmann Museum (established in 2002) has raised concern in international academic and cultural circles and has been featured in depth on Slovak television. Discussions are underway to... Read more »
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