Last month, the Czech Center New York opened "Allegro Forte - The Faces of Czech Music", a captivating collection of portrait photographs by Štěpánka Stein and Vendy Mlejnská celebrating the Czech Republic's greatest talents in classical music and dance.
Enjoy a selection of photos of the exhibition opening by Ester Havlová.
Allegro Forte presents a unique collection of portrait photographs showcasing the brightest stars in classical music and dance. Created in collaboration with the Year of Czech Music, this project aims to bring classical music closer to the public, moving it beyond traditional concert halls.
The exhibition title, Allegro Forte, reflects its musical roots—“allegro” meaning fast and lively, and “forte” meaning strong and loud—symbolizing energy and intensity captured in these expressive portraits. The series transports music from the majestic Rudolfinum in Prague to more relatable everyday settings, allowing audiences to experience music in comfortable, familiar environments. Each portrait is taken at a location resonant with the artist’s personality.
Both Štěpánka Stein and Vendy Mlejnská were present to introduce the exhibition. The evening also featured a special performance of Czech classical music by South Korean violinist Joseph Jin.
