On February 17, 2022, the day before the late Czech-American giant of world cinema, Miloš Forman, would have turned 90, the Czech Center New York is paying homage to his life and creativity with an evening of film and music. The film writer and programmer, Irena Kovarova, will give an introduction to the event in appreciation of Miloš Forman’s life and work in cinema. Besides the screening of Forman's film Audition, the evening will also feature opera singer Kristýna Kůstková and jazz singer Martina Barta.
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Film and music are intrinsically intertwined in Miloš Forman's body of work, starting with Forman's first films from 1963, Audition (Talent Competition / Konkurs) and If There Were No Music (If Only They Ain’t Had Them Bands / Kdyby ty muziky nebyly). Presented together as a film of two episodes (and screened as part of this program), they epitomize the youthful energy and talent of the director who went on to become a filmmaking star of 1960s Czechoslovakia and then a groundbreaking American director after emigrating to the United States. Free spirit and zest for life are at the core of his films, from Audition to Firemen’s Ball, Taking Off, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Hair, Amadeus, Man On The Moon, to name just a few of his most famous works.
Miloš Forman (18. 2. 1932 – 30. 4. 2018) was a film director, screenwriter and actor, holder of two Oscars for best director, three Golden Globes and BAFTA Film Awards in the same category.
More about Miloš Forman here.
Kristýna Kůstková is a Czech soprano currently finishing her Master degree in Voice at Mannes School of Music in NY and she is a holder of several prestigious grants and scholarship. She was a member and soloist of Children’s Opera Prague with whom she appeared on all the stages of the Prague National Theatre since she was 7 years old. She is a laureate and absolute winner of several voice competitions and her future engagements include Prague National Theatre or Antonin Dvořák Theatre Ostrava. She also often collaborates with experimental opera ensemble RunOperun and she received the Gold Crystal Heart Award for her participation in cultural programs of the Czech Center NY.
You can find more information at https://www.kristynakustkova.com or at Instagram kristynakustkova
Martina Barta is a multitalented singer and musician born in Prague, since 2011 based in Berlin and performing in diverse music projects (Felix Slováček Big Band, Big Band der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Kristina & Martina Barta Duo etc.) and as a soloist at national and international music festivals and venues. In 2016, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Jazz Institute at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, where she took lessons from Prof. Judy Niemack and Prof. David Friedman. In 2017, Martina represented the Czech Republic with a song “My Turn” at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv. Currently, Martina is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Jazz Arts at Manhattan School of Music, where she takes vocal classes with Prof. Theo Bleckmann.
You can find more information at https://www.facebook.com/martinabarta.official and at Instagram martinabartamusic
Photo credit © Petr Jančárek
We are most grateful for the support of our partners: the presented clips are courtesy of Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, and we also thank Chochola Archive and Petr Jancarek for providing materials. The event would not be possible without their collaboration.
