New book: Bohuslav Martinů Institute 1995 - 2025

A new publication entitled Bohuslav Martinů Institute 1995 – 2025 is now available. It offers a representative overview of thirty years of activity by an institution that has become the main center for preserving the legacy of one of the most important Czech composers of the 20th century. Created to mark this year's anniversary of the Institute’s founding, the book provides a comprehensive look at its development, mission, and current work. It guides readers through its history from its first steps in the mid-1990s to its present form as a modern professional institution with an international reach.

The main part of the publication is devoted to professional work with source materials. Over the course of three decades, the Institute has built up an extensive archive that includes digital copies of valuable sources from private owners and memory institutions around the world. These include autograph scores, correspondence, photographs, and other documents, which it systematically collects, catalogs, and makes available to researchers and performers. In addition to the archival collections, the publication also introduces the Institute's library and its role in supporting musicological research.

An important pillar of the Institute's activities is the Bohuslav Martinu Complete Edition. The publication outlines its concept, the editors' working methods, and the results achieved so far, which represent a significant contribution to the professional music community. This project with international reach also helps to place the composer's work in a broader cultural context. 

The book also devotes considerable attention to educational and outreach activities. The Institute has long organized lectures, exhibitions, and conferences, and collaborates with music schools, orchestras, and festivals. The publication documents its efforts to make the life and work of Bohuslav Martinů accessible not only to specialists, but also to the wider public and younger generations.

The final section contains an overview of partners, collaborators, projects, and other initiatives that have contributed to the Institute's activities. Readers gain a vivid sense of the scope of work involved in maintaining and developing Bohuslav Martinů’s legacy. The book serves not only as a comprehensive summary, but also as a testament to the importance of long-term, professionally guided care for cultural heritage.

The book is available in electronic form in Czech only, free of charge, here.