Travel to 19th-century Prague, where the musical lives of Smetana, Fibich, and Dvořák intertwined amid the folk rhythms and cultural energy of Bohemia. This opening-night program explores the artistic world that shaped Dvořák’s early voice: the Classical legacy of Haydn to the bold, expressive chamber music of Smetana, one of Dvořák’s earliest champions. Featuring Smetana’s Piano Trio on VMMF’s 1841 Rausch fortepiano, this concert offers a richly textured portrait of Czech musical life at its source. Paired with wines from premier Sonoma vineyards, it’s a festive and inviting start to the Festival! 

PROGRAM

HAYDN Trio in A major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Hob. XV:18 (1794)
DVOŘÁK and FIBICH  Selected solo piano pieces
DVOŘÁK Selections from Moravian Duets, B. 60 and B. 62 for Soprano, Alto, and Piano (1876)
SMETANA Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15 (1855)

ARTISTS

Jeff LaDeur, Eric Zivian, PIANO | Elizabeth Blumenstock, VIOLIN | Tanya Tomkins, Aaron Wolff, CELLO | Rachell Ellen Wong, VIOLIN | to be announced, VOICE

PERFORMANCE LENGTH

Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change