Exhibitions

Exhibitions (27.1.2012-6.1.2013)

“Indian“ – Dvořák´s American Secretary J. J. Kovařík

small exhibition at the Antonín Dvořák Museum

After graduation from the Prague Conservatory, the Czech American Josef Jan Kovařík (1870–1951) went back home to America, concurrently he had the opportunity to accompany Antonín Dvořák during his stay in the USA as his “secretary”. He spent almost three years with the composer and his family.

Kovařík shared an apartment in New York with the “Maestro” (as he called Dvořák), accompanied the composer during his regular strolls, in the evening played Dvořák’s favourite card game, “darda”. On the other hand, Dvořák had the “Indian” (as he occasionally called Kovařík) transcribe his autographs. In summer 1893 Dvořák and his family spent holiday in Kovařík´s home town Spillville in the state of Iowa. He created his famous American Quartet over there.

The small exhibition in the first floor of the Antonín Dvořák Museum reveals unique documents connecting the great composer with his young American friend, like letters, subjects or pictures.

The exhibition is bilingual - in English and Czech

Presentation of the exhibition "Indian" and concert with Dvořák´s songs and traditional negro spirituals (Martin Vodrážka-baritone, Miloš Orson Štědroň-piano).
8 March, 2012, 6 pm, The Antonín Dvořák Museum