The Bartered Bride: Context and History
Bedrich Smetana, 1824-1884
The Bartered Bride, a comic opera composed by Bedrich Smetana, changed the face of Czech music in 1863 when it was first performed at the Provisional Theatre in Prague. Smetana, spurred on by a comment made by Viennese conductor Johann von Herbeck that the Czechs were incapable of making music of their own, set out to create a uniquely Czech genre: “I swore there and then that no other than I should beget a native Czech music.”
In his quest to create a truly Czech operatic genre Smetana makes ample use of traditional folk music such as polka and furiant. He further emphasizes the intrinsic “Czechness” of this ground-breaking opera by making it one of the few in the Czech language written in trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one) which matches the natural first-syllabus emphasis in the Czech language. By 1892 The Bartered Bride had achieved international recognition, for many years remaining the only Czech opera in the general repertory. Of course scores of music compositions were produced in German by Czech composers.
The Bartered Bride will be performed in English in collaboration with Kingwood College Opera Workshop at the Czech Center Museum Houston September 17 & 18 as theatre in the round. Reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine will begin at 6:30, performance to follow. Also included in this magical night is an aria from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak and The Barber of Seville by Giocchino Rossini, respectively.
For more information or to reserve tickets please call
713-528-2060 or online at czechcenter.org.
August 15 Wedding
Last Saturday the Czech Center happily experienced deja vu as our happy couple celebrated their marriage in the same room with the same apple red and white linens that the groom’s brother had used a year earlier. Although the look was similar, they definitely added their own flare though! At one point the bride and their daughter broke out in a choreographed dance and later the evening featured a “grand march” that had all the guests dancing around Prague Hall. For more photos of this fun, relaxed reception visit Sean Wray’s blog.
Toasts in front of the ceiling high windows that surround Prague Hall
After a delicious dinner by Tavola, a captive audience listens to the toasts.
One of several special dances under the glow of the crystal chandeliers.
The Bartered Bride
Come enjoy a beautiful cultural event in the exhilarating
Experience the opera in Houston's only Baroque Palace!
environment of an elegant three-story baroque palace. The festive evening features a selected aria from Barber of Seville by Gioacchino Rossini and Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss and in its entirety Czech Comedy
The Bartered Bride piano score
Opera The Bartered Bride by Bedrich Smetana, 1863, performed in English and directed by Gottfried Schiller. This is a rare opportunity as the Czech Center Museum Houston collaborates with Kingwood College Opera Workshop to bring this unique performance to Houston’s Museum District. There will be a reception in Brno Gallery with refreshments and bar, performance follows in the inimitable Prague Hall, Theatre in the Round.
Event commences at 6:30 p.m. at the Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston, Texas, 77004 in the Museum District. Advance reservation required; for prepaid reservation call 713-528-2060 or online at www.czechcenter.org. General admission is $15.00, Seniors $12.00 and Students $8.00. Please book early as seating may be limited.
Splendid Summer Wedding
We were all in awe of how this beautiful reception really transformed the Czech Center Museum Houston’s already gorgeous ballroom Prague Hall. Unfortunately there was too much going on during the celebration to capture it while it was going on, so you’ll have to take our word for it that this couple had an elegant, relaxed event that any couple would covet.
Wedding Party Table. Floral arrangements from Flowers by Lisa made a dramatic statement throughout.
White and teal linens along with Prague Hall's ceiling high windows made for an ethereal setting.
Fifteenth Annual Benefit Gala: A Review
What an incredible night we had at the Czech Center Museum Houston’s Fifteenth Annual Gala Saturday, August 1. This beautiful event took weeks of diligent work by the CCMH staff and volunteers, CEO and Chairman Effie Rosene, Vice President and Secretary Bill Rosene and the incredible Gala Chairs: Nina and Ray Vitek, Barbara and Henry Hermis, Paul and Judy Pasemann, Cliff and Barbara Malek, Father Paul Chovanec, Sally Miller, and Wesley Pustejovsky.
A more eloquent account of this fundraising event is forthcoming along with a second chance at some of our fabulous auction items. In the meantime, please enjoy a pictorial summary of the Fifteenth Annual Benefit Gala below.
What a lively group of people we had Saturday night!
Tireless Boardmember and Gala Chair Sally Miller with her family
Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Safari Texas Ranch and complimentary wine and champagne
These raffle tickets were only $5 each and gave each participant the chance of winning prizes valued between $250 and $300!
A wide array of guest sat, enthralled by the Live Auction
The Live Auction featured many wonderful opportunities from cases of Czech wine to trips all over the world.
We are very thankful to have such a large crowd in such troubled economic times.
The CCMH's fearless leaders, Effie and Bill Rosene
After the auction, Chairman and CEO Effie Rosene ended the Gala with a speech of appreciation.
Thanks again to everyone who came.
We are touched by your dedication to the Czech Center Museum Houston’s mission to preserve, record and celebrate Czech and Slovak heritage with the aim of encouraging a global community.
Summer Love at the Czech Center
What a wonderful night! With Prague Hall done up in an elegant soft yellow matching the bridesmaids’ dresses exactly, you would have been hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to spend last Saturday night, July 18. Food from Carino’s Italian Restaurant, music by D.J. Xtreme and the joyful, laid-back company of friends and family really completed the night.
Making the evening even more magical, was an impressive storm followed by a full rainbow visible to the entire party through the Czech Center’s ceiling high windows. Who could ask for a better blessing on their special day!
The first dance under the sparkling chandelier
Their guests were quick to follow and they dance floor stayed full for the rest of the evening!
Showing off his dance skills
