Czech Center New York celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Independence of the Czech Republic by a concert of violinist Josef Špaček and cellist Tomáš Jamník. The evening featured special guest - Petr Nekoranec, opera singer from National Theatre in Prague. The concert included the works of Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, as well as music by Erwin Schulhoff and Gideon Klein.
Prof. Michael Beckerman from NYU said about the concert: "Last night's concert was a tour de force in musicianship, virtuosity, innovative programming, and communication with the audience. Playing both (somewhat) familiar repertoire like Janacek's "Kreutzer Sonata" string quartet (but in a brilliant duo arrangement) and then rarely performed gems like the Gidon Klein duo, Jamnik and Spacek combined intensity and charm to create a special evening."
Véronique Firkusny, the daughter of the world-renowned pianist, about the evening: "It was a joy to attend last night’s concert at the Czech Center NY held in celebration of the 30thanniversary of the establishment of the Czech Republic. Josef Špaček and Tomáš Jamník are a formidable duo, both excellent musicians with a virtuosic flair, but whose playing is imbued with a deep respect and humility in service of the composers whose music they perform. Last night’s program was a wonderful combination of more and less familiar works, all presented with consummate musicianship, passion and grace. The theme of PATHS as a means to opening the door to cross cultural communication was especially meaningful given the challenges being faced around the globe at this time."
