The year 2014 has been declared Year of Czech Music. Therefore also the dramaturgy of the International Music Festival Český Krumlov 2014 is focusing on Czech music, however, without neglecting top-class world production. The program of the 23rd year of the IMF ČK will be dedicated to music of the Romantic Period as well as the 20th century but also, for example, to old music and its period interpretation. The core of the dramaturgy remains in the so-called classical music, however, the festival shall traditionally offer also other genres and genre overlaps. The 23rd year of the IMF Český Krumlov will take place from 18th July till 16th August.
Year of Czech Music 2014
Names such as Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, Josef Suk, Jan Dismas Zelenka are reliable elements which people around the world recognize as “Czech”. The anniversary of all the above and many more falls into the years ending with the number four and for this reason they are traditionally and spontaneously perceived as Years of Czech Music not only in our country but also abroad. In 1924 Smetana’s anniversary was celebrated for the first time and after the war the concept was extended to Czech music as such.
Music is a profitable investment for the Czech Republic, a brand. Where else, if not in art, can we still speak meaningfully about something being “Czech”? Music is a representative element of the Czech cultural identity. The Czech Republic can also offer quality jazz and folklore traditions, which are receiving an ever increasing international reception. So the Years of Czech Music focus not only on the works of the anniversary authors, one sort or music genre, but also on the support and reflection of Czech music as such.
The Year of Czech Music 2014 is a program supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the departments of education, foreign affairs and local development. It wants to take advantage not only of the spontaneous increased interest of foreigners in Czech music but also provide financial, organizational and promotional support to the domestic environment. It is held under the artistic auspices of mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená and conductor Sir Simon Rattle. The honorary president is the chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Jiří Bělohlávek, political auspices have been granted by the president of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman.