Pianist Katelyn Bouska: Echoes of Home

Join us for a thought-provoking musical evening with pianist and musicologist Katelyn Bouska exploring the 19th century Czech American musical tapestry through selected gems and the New York premiere of her own compositional fantasy.

In 19th-century America, Czech immigrants created a remarkably vibrant cultural environment keeping alive the core of their Czech musical identity. Through both folk tunes and the works of renowned Czech composers, they established a distinct musical presence in their new environment, weaving together the old and the new

As a musical time capsule, this program re-creates that environment through the research and personal stories of pianist Katelyn Bouska, focusing on the Midwestern experience of her Czech ancestors. In Bouska’s own composition, which opens the program, listeners hear a fantasy composed from the music these Czech settlers would have known and brought with them. Folk music and famous melodies from works by Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák blend with poignant works composed by the Czechs upon their arrival.

Bouska will then guide the audience through the pieces that she chose to include in her fantasy. Historic Czech folk songs, polkas created by the Czech settlers, and music written by Dvořák during his American sojourn all combine for a deep dive into an important strand of American musical identity as it exists today.

For more information about the event, visit dvoraknyc.org.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit the programs of the Dvořák American Heritage Association, which celebrates its 20th year of public concerts and lectures in 2026.

This event is organized by DAHA with support of the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.

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Host or Publisher Dvorak American Heritage Association