In 2009 we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death. Many organisers are preparing for this year large- or small-scale events at which works by Bohuslav Martinů (1890 – 1959) will be performed.
We will provide you with information about all concerts and other events on our website.
Interest in Bohuslav Martinů’s works has been increasing. However, for the present, his compositions are not performed as frequently as many of his admirers would wish. Beyond the Czech Republic especially, it mainly concerns sporadic presentations, which from the viewpoint of listeners do not give the necessary continuity of performing his works. Some areas of his creation – primarily stage pieces – are far less famous than they should be with regard to their relevance both within the context of B. Martinů’s work and the context of European music history.
The 50th anniversary of the composer’s death is an ideal opportunity for concentrated promotion of Martinů and his globally significant legacy. Such an activity, however, far exceeds the possibilities of the Bohuslav Martinů Foundation and Institute, requiring instead the formation of a platform associating the most prominent Czech and foreign cultural institutions. Much has already been pre-negotiated – all large Czech orchestras and opera ensembles are counting on the fact that in the jubilee 2009/2010 season they will devote to B. Martinů’s work to a greater extent, or will even make Martinů the season’s overarching theme, as is the case of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Prague Spring festival will dedicate its 2009 edition to Bohuslav Martinů’s work and its European and global contexts. The National Museum will host an extensive exhibition about the composer’s life and work. The National Theatres in Prague and Brno are preparing productions of B. Martinů’s most celebrated stage works. Important events are also being prepared abroad, primarily in Switzerland, France, Hungary, England and the USA.
