A trio of University of Nebraska–Lincoln performance groups will play music by Czech composers in a 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 concert in Kimball Recital Hall. The concert, “Prague Spring 50: From Dvorak to Husa, and Beyond,” will feature the UNL Wind Ensemble, directed by Carolyn Barber; the University of Nebraska Faculty Brass Quintet; and the Chiara String Quartet with pianist Mark Clinton.
“It was an honor to be asked by James Le Sueur to curate this musical event as part of the Prague Spring 50 conference,” Hixson-Lied Professor of Piano Mark Clinton said. “The works on the program were chosen because they reflect the profound impact of music as an expression of Czech national identity, which ultimately led to political freedom for the Czech Republic.”
The university's department of history is sponsoring Prague Spring 50, a commemoration of the Prague Spring and the aftereffects of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia from April 3-7 on the UNL campus.
Also, on Wednesday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. in the Sheldon Museum of Art Abbott Auditorium, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. Paul Haar, will give a special performance featuring original compositions/arrangements by DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) candidate Andrew Janak, inspired by the composer's Czech heritage. Renowned jazz musicians Martin Kratochvíl and Tony Ackerman will interact with the ensemble in what is sure to be an inspiring musical event.
Learn more about all of the events of Prague Spring 50 at: https://praguespring50.unl.edu/welcome