There is an age-old Czech saying that all Czechs are musicians, in one way or another. Now, lovers of classical music will have a chance to find out for themselves. Under the auspices of the Georgian Bay Symphony, we welcome one of the foremost Czech chamber ensembles, Dvořák Piano Quartet from Prague, to perform a benefit concert at the Leith Historical Church on 25th. of October.
The Dvořák Piano Quartet, named after the famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák was formed several years ago, and quickly established itself as one of the Czech premier chamber ensembles. The title of the quartet was used after a permission to use the name Dvořák was given by Mr. Antonín Dvořák III, the direct descendant of the composer.
The Dvořák Piano Quartet presents the listener with interpretation of chamber music in the best Czech tradition and sound. The members of the Quartet are experienced musicians who studied under legendary artists, where they gained their deep understanding and thorough approach to chamber music, steadily improving in subsequent years of performing in concerts and recording sessions. The Quartet recently received an excellent review with the highest recognition Choc de Classica from France's Classica magazine (May issue) for their Supraphon album of Dvořák's Piano Quartets No. 1 and 2.
The pianist Slávka Vernerová studied at Prague Conservatory under the celebrated pianist Ivan Moravec, followed by master courses with Nelly Akopian, and post gradual studies at London College of Music. She has been active in solo recitals, chamber music, and solo-performances with practically all Czech orchestras and several foreign world class orchestras and ensembles. She performed in concerts in the USA, Japan, Canada, and most of the countries in Europe. Slávka is a recipient of many awards, and is considered one of the top pianists on the present musical scene.
The violinist Štěpán Pražák, a graduate of Pilsen Conservatory is also a graduate of many national and international courses and master classes. He performed as soloist with various orchestras in domestic and international musical festivals. Štěpán has gained valuable experience with chamber music as the leader of the Czech Philharmonic Quartet.
The viola virtuoso Petr Verner has studied solo viola at Prague Academy of Performing Arts, and chamber music with famed musician Josef Vlach. Petr also attended international chamber music courses in Germany and Switzerland. For twenty years, Petr was the violist in the Vlach Quartet Praha where he attained thorough knowledge of interpretation of chamber music. With the Vlach Quartet, he performed in concerts in the USA, Japan, New Zeeland, and throughout Europe.
The cellist Jan Žďánsky studied at the Pardubice Conservatory and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. He took part in many related master classes, and is the recipient of prizes in chamber music competitions. Jan is also a regular soloist with Pardubice Philharmonic Orchestra, Capella Pallatina Mannheim, and Tutti Bordeaux.
Antonín Dvořák - the celebrated Czech composer of world-wide recognition, was born in Czech Bohemia in 1841. Dvořák's talent for the violin was discovered at an early age. His public performances started in Prague in 1872. At that time, Dvořák also composed symphonies, and in 1874 received the coveted prize from Austrian State Prize for Composition. Dvořák's international recognition was fully established in 1878 with a composition that became known as Slavonic Dances. In 1892, Dvořák moved to the United States and became the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America in New York City. There he wrote his two most successful pieces: the symphony From the New World, and his Cello Concerto, regarded as one of the greatest of such compositions. Today, we can enjoy both of these pieces in concerts and on radio. Georgian Bay Symphony has the From the New World symphony in its repertoire. On the opera scene, Dvořák gained top recognition for Rusalka, still performed today to sold out opera houses.
Dvořák Piano Quartet will be playing at the Leith Historical Church on October 25, 2019 at 7:30 PM. Net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Owen Sound Music for Youth / Youth Orchestra. Tickets $35 at ticketscene.ca
The program includes Johannes Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1, G minor, op 25, and Antonín Dvořák: Piano Quartet No. 2, E flat major, op. 87
source: media release
