Mon, 19. 11. 2018, 7.00 p.m.

BERNSTEIN’S BROADWAY MELODIES

Venue: Zlín Congress Centre  |  Organizer: Filharmonie Bohuslava Martinů, o.p.s.  | 

The Czechoslovak Republic's centenary is not the only major theme of 2018, because it also marks 100 years since the birth of Leonard Bernstein, the outstanding American composer, conductor, pianist, teacher and populariser of music. If there was ever a composer who could be deemed emblematic of what is called crossover style in music, it is the legendary Bernstein, whose music included elements of jazz, the Broadway sound, gospel and Mass. He drew a distinction not between "classical" and "popular" music, but between "good" and "bad". Bernstein was a synthesist of styles and an eclectic - someone who did not lend himself to being artistically pigeonholed. Due to his undoubted personal charm he also achieved celebrity through his TV programmes popularising classical music in particular. These programmes, which won a whole series of TV awards (for example 11 Emmies) made him a star in the 60s and one of the most conspicuous figures in US culture. They were also responsible for awakening in many of his audiences a strong interest in classical music. Tonight's programme directed by Steve Josephson is performed by the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic and the leading vocal quartet Bohemia Voice, which has already made a consistently good name for itself on the Czech popular music scene. These Bernstein works which have won popular appeal all over the world are conducted by the Indian maestro Debashish Chaudhuri.

This benefit concert is being organised for Adélka, who suffers from the very rare Phelan McDermid genetic syndrome. Its main aim is to support Adélka, her brother Tadeáš and her mum Broňka in their difficult situation and help generate enough funds to buy the flat they need.