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Czech language teacher Jana Kalinová Zmrzlíková led a class at the Czech Embassy for several young pupils on November 12, 2024. The students learned Czech vocabulary and phrases inspired by the life and music of the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The children even listened to his breathtaking symphony, Vltava, and then learned the popular Czech poem, “Kočka leze dírou,” which may have inspired it.

Dr. David Thurmaier, the Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Kansas-Missouri City Conservatory, gave an in-depth online lecture on the life, music, and legacy of Czech composer Leoš Janáček by on October 23, 2024.

Professor Thurmaier delved into Janáček’s interest in folklore and speech melodies. He demonstrated Janáček’s genius via musical excerpts from the composer’s heart wrenching opera Jenůfa, which was dedicated to his late daughter Olga, the Sinfonietta, and other musical pieces. He spoke at length about Janáček’s patriotic pride as well as his fame and flame in the latter part of his life. The music highlighted the musical brilliance, originality, and individuality of the world-recognized composer.

Dr. Martin Nedbal, Professor of Musicology and the Director of the Division of Musicology at the University of Kansas, offered insight in an online lecture in honor of the Year of Czech Music on the recognized Father of Czech Music, composer Bedřich Smetana, on October 22, 2024.

Professor Nedbal spoke about Smetana’s desire to establish Czech national identity through classical music during the emergence of the modern nation-state. The professor utilized musical pieces from Smetana’s operas, which are grouped into folk-like versus historically themed, and compared same to the techniques used in music of his time. He also depicted how Smetana’s life and heartbreak influenced his music.

Strašidla! Czech legends and mythical creatures, including the Bogeyman (Bubák), the Forest Demon (Hejkal), and the Noonday Witch (Polednice), came to life for one night at the Czech Embassy! 

Almost 100 children listened to stories about the origins and explanations behind these notorious yet intriguing and legendary water sprites (Rusalka), wind spirits (Meluzína), and even ghosts, such as the White Lade (Bílá Paní), who haunt the castles and forests of the Czech lands. Before embarking on a haunted trail through the woods, the children were reminded not talk to strangers, especially Old Hags (Ježibaba), to stay away from water and the Water Goblin (Vodník), not to take money from the Devil (Čert), or to be lured into the dark woods by the souls of witches (Bludička).