We were delighted to host to several concert events.
“Prague Spring 50: From Dvorak to Husa, and Beyond”Wednesday, April 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Kimball Recital Hall
This concert of music by Czech composers, organized by Dr. Mark Clinton (Hixon-Lied Professor of Piano) featured the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wind Ensemble, directed by Carolyn Barber; the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Faculty Brass Quintet; and the Chiara String Quartet with guest soloist Mark Clinton.
Roman Bělor, Director of the Prague Spring Festival, opened this concert along with the Honorable Hynek Kmoníček, the Czech Ambassador to the United States. The concert was livestreamed via NET.
Chiara String Quartet
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jazz Orchestra Performance and Masterclass with Martin Kratochvíl and Tony AckermanWednesday, April 4 | 3:30 p.m. | Sheldon Museum of Art, Abbott Auditorium
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dr. Paul Haar, gave 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 interacted with the ensemble in an inspiring musical event.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jazz Orchestra
Martin Kratochvíl and Tony AckermanThursday, April 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Sheldon Museum of Art, Great Hall
Martin Kratochvíl and Tony Ackerman, an American who lived in Prague throughout “normalization”, gave a talk-jazz concert.
A typical Kratochvíl/Ackerman concert will take you through their lush original melodies and harmonies, explosive percussive free-for-alls, and virtuosic solo displays. Throughout their hundreds of concerts and club dates the duo has developed a rare rapport; it has often been said of them that you can’t tell who is “soloing” and who is “accompanying.“ It is hard to tell where the written material stops and the improvisation begins for they develop each piece with its own unique style of improvisation, totally intertwined with the written material.
Although the music is often placed in the category of “jazz,” this word does not do it justice. It is perhaps a new, original brand of acoustic music—maybe we could call it ”global folk music for the 21st century.”
Martin Kratochvíl and Tony Ackerman
Support the study of Czech history and culture and to further the Department of History’s commitment to modern Czech history.