Members of the general public were invited to participate in the CCMH’s very first Bike/Run Challenge of 2023 - which spanned from Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 8:00 AM until Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 8:00 PM! This challenge took place in order to celebrate the upcoming Czech Independence Day.

Participants were asked to either cycle 19.18 kilometers (12 miles) or run 11.17 kilometers (7 miles) anytime during the period of September 28 to October 28. They could ride or run with friends or by themselves and share a picture with CCMH of the activity. Participants could pose with a Czech of Slovak symbol in the picture - such as a Czech flag, CCMH t-shirt, etc.

Participants who submitted pictures within the timeframe were entered to win one CCMH Family Membership, and the Embassy awarded the best photo submission with a special gift bag.

Why 19.18 kilometers?

The year 1918 brought independence to the Czech people. That year, future President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and sitting US President Woodrow Wilson shared a friendship and vision that forever changed the map of Europe with the creation of a sovereign, democratic state on October 28. The CCMH Bike/Run Challenge honored the historic year of independence via its 19.18 km trail and challenges all to seek out Czech connections in the United States!

Why 11.17 kilometers?

On November 17, 1939, Nazi forces stormed Czech Universities including Charles University in Prague after organized demonstrations following the killings of student Jan Opletal and worker Václav Sedláček. Nine Czech students and professors were executed on the 17th, and 1,200 were sent to concentration camps.

In 1948, communists seized control of the country in a coup d’état, and it became the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic for the next 40 years. Student demonstrations in Prague and elsewhere on November 17, 1989, sparked the Velvet Revolution and the end of the Soviet era in Czechoslovakia.

Now, November 17 is a national holiday in both the Czech and Slovak Republics known as Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. It commemorates two student demonstrations that bookend 50 years that Czechoslovakia spent (mostly) under the rule of foreign powers.

DISCLAIMER

By participating, you have acknowledged that you are going to take part in the �鶹��Ʒ Bike/Run Challenge (“Challenge“) at your own risk. The Challenge does not constitute an official race. It is imperative that all Challenge participants obey all existing laws and regulations as well as friendly cyclist manners.

Conducting activities outside of your home poses an inherent risk. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to the Challenge and agree not to hold the �鶹��Ʒ or any of their directors, staff, contractors, affiliates, employees, agents, or volunteers liable for any illness, injury, or death.

�鶹��Ʒ would like to thank Diana Austin, Rev. Paul Chovanec, James Ermis, Adelma Graham, Sharon Schweitzer J.D., Valerie Sheppard, William and Marie Vavrik, and donors who wish to remain anonymous for generously supporting our Czech Heritage Month programs.

This one-hour program taught attendees the basic positions in ethnic folk dancing, the fundamental steps, and classic accompanying songs. The performers demonstrated Slovaky Verbuňk - which was placed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, along with Slovaká Beseda - which are simple folk dances from the Slovácko region with basic position, steps, and couple dances from Kunovice and Hluk, as well as finally, dance games that include Metlový and Spadl z pece holúbek. 

In order to attend the event, individuals were asked to pay a symbolic price of $5 for tickets so that the proceeds would be used to benefit the activities of the �鶹��Ʒ.

This workshop was taught by The Folk Dance School from Kunovice, Czech Republic. They teach folk dances and dance games at folklore festivals - with their ultimate mission being that they want to preserve Czech customs and traditions through music, dance, and song. They promote this through dance performances done with precision, accuracy, and enthusiasm.

Lecturer: Ivana Majíčková

Dance accompaniment: Petr Majíček

Musical accompaniment: Students of the Brno Conservatory
Radovan Siman - violin, Kateřina Sečkářová -dulcimer

MEET THE ARTISTS:

Ivana Majíčková is a teacher. She loves folklore and has danced in a folklore group from the age of six. Her goal is to pass on our folk dances and customs to the next generations, not only in the folklore group but also to everyone who is interested in this genre. Since 1985, Ivana has been teaching folk dances from Moravia to young people who participate in festivals. In 2003, she founded the Folk Dance School in Kunovice. Within this school, courses are held in the verbunk; male dance, which is listed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Over the last twenty years, the school trained a number of excellent “recruiters”. Ten years ago, the school started organizing workshops during the Wine Festival in Uherske Hradiste. And now they wish to pass our folk dances to our compatriots in the USA.

Petr Majíček graduated from BUT in Brno, majoring in telecommunications. He is an entrepreneur. He is a big supporter and sponsor of the folk dance school and the trip to Texas. He takes care of the technology. He is the principal organizer of their tour.

Kateřina Sečkářová is a student in the 6th year of the Brno Conservatory. She has been playing the cimbalom 100% since the age of eight. Katerina plays classical music but mainly focuses on folk. Despite the fact that she is only 19 years old, she is one of the best cimbalom players in the Czech Republic. In 2018, Katerina won first place in the national competition and the jury prize for exceptional performance. At the International Cimbal Competition (CIMBALFEST) in 2017, she won a special jury prize for high artistic level, and in 2021 she took first place. Katerina plays with cimbalom musicians and with the Brno Philharmonic. She has already performed her art in Greece, Macedonia, Turkey, England, Croatia and Italy.

Radovan Siman is a student in the 5th year of the Brno Conservatory. He has been playing the violin and folklore since he was three years old. He was a member of a children’s folklore group and founded a children’s cimbalom music group. Radovan graduated from the Academy of Václav Hudeček, an excellent Czech violin virtuoso. He has won numerous awards and performed with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic. In addition to playing the violin, Radovan is also engaged in folk dancing. He is one of the best dancers of the Slovak verbunk, and was the king of the Ride of Kings in Kunovice.

The dynamic duo of violinist Dina Nesterenko and violist Mark Landson enchanted attendees on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM with their dynamic performance. The duo played some music together, but also gave each other the opportunity to shine with some solos as well.

The pieces that were performed include:

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756 - 1791) Duo for Violin and Viola K424

• Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685 - 1750) Suite No. 1 for Cello (transcribed for viola)

• Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770 - 1827) 5th Symphony, 1st Movt (arranged for solo violin by Dina Nesterenko)

• Barbie Girl Chaconne (original composition for solo violin by Dina Nesterenko based on the song by Aqua)

• The Show Must Go On (original composition for solo violin by Dina Nesterenko based on the song by Queen)

• Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia for Violin and Viola

Regarding violinist Dina Nesterenko, she possesses an incredible virtuosity and beauty of tone that captivates all who hear her play. She was a semi-finalist in the famed Tchaikovsky Concerto Competition at a mere 17 years old. She later graduated with a bachelor’s and masters degree from the Julliard School. Dina Nesterenko has the unique ability to create her own virtuoso arrangements for solo violin with works as diverse as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, “The Show Must Go On” by Queen, and even a chaconne in the style of Bach with the theme of the pop song “Barbie Girl” by Aqua - which she has presented at several universities.

When it comes to violist Mark Landson, he is well-known for his dynamic playing style and lyricism - along with his classical compositions and crossover concepts. He has been referred to as the “Elon Musk” of the North Texas Classical Music Scene for his numerous innovative projects - including as the founder of Open Classical. Mark Landson joins Dina with duos of violin and viola along with showcases of his own collection of Bach’s suites for cello played on viola.

Below are links to videos showcasing examples of the two artists’ talent:

• Dina Nesterenko’s original virtuoso solo violin arrangements
  

• Mark Landson Bach with Tap Dancing on TEDx
  

On August 17, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, attendees were able to see intern-curated exhibits at the CCMH! Visitors were able to discover what topics our interns were most fascinated by while they also enjoyed light refreshments and great conversation. Six young professionals presented their curated projects based on their interests in Czech history or culture.

This event was made possible with the support of Adelena Graham.

Museum admission fees were waived on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM in memory of Virginia “Virgie” Ermis Harper. She was born on August 7, 1927 and lived until November 12, 2021.

Gallery admission fees were waived on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM in honor of Anezka Miculka Ermis of Beaumont, Texas.

Anezka was a kind, loving mother, wife, and friend from a small Czech farming community in central Texas. She raised two children, James and Virginia, with her husband Ladimir in Beaumont, Texas, and frequently could be found cooking and helping care for neighbors and other family members. Born August 4, 1903, Anezka did not obtain a high-school education and lived through the Great Depression while raising her young family. She later became the president of her Methodist church’s Ladies’ auxiliary, a source of great pride. She is remembered for her warm heart, strong faith, and scrumptious kolaches and strudels. Anezka died at the age of 92 on July 19, 1996.

Took place on:

• July 15, 2023 - Beginning Your Family Search

  • During the first week of this event, participants started their genealogy journey by using their known pedigree chart and setting up a FamilySearch profile

• July 22, 2023 - Immigration Records

  • During the second week of this event, participants jumped into a search for passenger lists and naturalization records

• July 29, 2023 - Clayton Library Visit

  • During the third and final week, participants were asked to go to the Clayton Library for a deep dive into microfilms, periodicals, and extensive databases

These events were hosted by the �鶹��Ʒ in partnership with the Houston Public Library Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus.

Families came to the CCMH on Saturday, June 10 to celebrate Children’s Day! Attendees were able to spend a nice summer day solving puzzles, making origami, participating in yoga for kids and a kolache eating contest, watching Czech cartoons, creating castles out of cardboard, playing Czech language bingo, and much more!

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, South Moravian Brass Band by the name of “Stříbrňanka” performed Moravian and Czech Folk Music at the CCMH from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Attendees enjoyed an evening at the CCMH with the energetic band from the heart of Moravian Slovakia. The upbeat rhythms of the ten member group delighted listeners as they indulged in Moravian wine, Czech beer, and freshly canned beer from Pivovar in Waco, Texas.

Stříbrňanka has won the hearts of audiences thanks to its lively performances. The band has a distinctive unmistakable sound, playing a wide repertoire of Czech and Moravian folk music, concert, solo, and dance songs. They are a professional band from Stříbrnice, Czech Republic, in south Moravia. Stříbrňanka have a rich history. The band was founded in a small village under Buchlov castle - Stříbrnice in 1970 and since then they have been performing on the stages of festivals, dance parties, and concerts, as well as abroad.

In recent years the members have written most of their compositions themselves - both original polkas and waltzes, as well as arrangements of solo compositions. The band has released more than 30 albums and DVDs, and has performed in several European countries.

This event was hosted by the �鶹��Ʒ through the help of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas in partnership with the University of North Texas College of Music.

• Art Project

  • Saturday, May 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Wrap Party

  • Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

• Presentation of Learning

  • Friday, August 4, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 11:40 AM, members had the opportunity to celebrate mothers with free guided yoga practice in our Brno Gallery with instructor Monica! Children were required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The event was made possible with the support of Adelma Graham.

When in attendance at the �鶹��Ʒ’s Annual Spring Festival of 2023, members of the community came together to celebrate Czech culture with performances, arts and crafts, food, and more! There was also live music featuring Czech folk singers, a kolache eating contest, and fun activities for kids.

CCMH celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month on Thursday, April 20, 2023 with a performance from Sparky’s Jazz Express.

Regarding Sparky’s Jazz Express, the piano was played by Tom Borling, bass played by Steve Montgomery, drums played by Ben Atkinson, and trumpet and flugelhorn played by Sparky Koerner. The program commended jazz music from Czechoslovakia in celebration of April being Jazz Appreciation Month with music by Czechoslovakian composers as they have had such a large impact within the genre. With insightful narration and performing, this program spotlighted world-renowned musicians and composers from Czechoslovakia whose music has been part of the world of jazz.

When it comes to Sparky Koerner, he’s a trumpet player who performs in many types of ensembles such as being the leader of “Sparky’s Jazz Express” and The Galvanized Brass. After recently retiring after 40 years of being the Director of Instrumental Music/Jazz Studies at the College of the Mainland in Texas City, Sparky served as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at COM and continues to direct the COM Community Jazz Ensemble as a Lifelong Learning Class. He also recently retired as principal trumpeter with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra.

Children from 3-11 years old and their families joined together at the CCMH on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM to participate in an indoor egg hunt!

This event was made possible with the support of Adelma Graham.

Starting 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 and ending at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22. 2023 was the CCMH Membership Photo Contest!

Members that were at least 18 years of age were invited to submit a picture of their travels to the Czech and Slovak Republics. It was expected that the image depicted the glory of Czechia and Slovakia whether it be through nature, architecture, culture, culinary dishes, or modern marvels.

Submitted photographs could feature world-famous UNESCO protected sights and historical wonders of major Czech and Slovak cities, or picturesque villages, mountains, and countryside. The photos may incorporate people and objects that embody the amazement of nostalgia experienced during the photographer’s travels through the Czech and Slovak Republics.

We encouraged the submission of photos that captured spectacular, split-second moments and introduce viewers to fascinating people, architecture, and unique landscapes through which visitors will be momentarily transported to Central Europe via the shared images.

The submitted photographs were required to be printed, framed, and mounted for hanging in the CCMH galleries. They were judged based on creativity, quality, originality, responsiveness to the prompt, and overall impact.

Photo submissions were due Saturday, February 18, 2023. Winning photos were selected on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - and were displayed until Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

The rules and conditions of entry are provided below:

All entrants hold the �鶹��Ʒ (CCMH) and their respective current and past directors, officers, employees, emeriti, fellows, interns, research associates, and volunteers (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against all claims of any nature arising in connection with entrant’s participation in the contest and acceptance or use of a prize. The Indemnified Parties are not liable for any costs, damages, injuries, or other claims incurred because of entrants’ participation in the contest or winner’s acceptance and usage of a prize. The Indemnified Parties are not responsible for incomplete or misdirected entries, technical or network malfunctions or failures, or causes beyond their control. Entrants are solely responsible for their entries. Entrants may not submit materials that introduce any software viruses, worms or other programs designed to damage software, hardware, or telecommunications equipment or are off-topic, partisan-political, contain advertising, nudity, personal attacks or expletives, or is otherwise abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, discriminatory, libelous, obscene, false, sexually explicit, or that infringes on the rights of any third party. Entrants represent that they have/had permission to take the photographs and are the sole owner of the photos.

The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. The �鶹��Ʒ (CCMH) reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, the CCMH reserves the right to award or not award the prizes in its sole discretion. The CCMH reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: inhibit the enjoyment of others; tamper with the competition; violate these rules or other applicable law or regulation; infringe on the rights of third parties; or act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Decisions of the CCMH are final and binding.

You retain your rights to your photograph; however, by entering the contest, you grant the CCMH (and those authorized by the CCMH) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of the CCMH and its website, publications in any format, exhibition, and commercial products (this includes any sales of products utilizing the photograph). Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. The CCMH will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.

Participation in the contest requires the collection of your name and email address. By entering this contest, you are consenting to the use of your name and email address for further communications regarding this contest. The CCMH will notify winners via the contact information provided at the time of entry; the CCMH may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within five business days. The CCMH will determine winners’ eligibility in its sole discretion.

Harmonia Stellarum Houston performed music at the CCMH on Monday, January 30, 2023. The program featured music composed by Joseph Haydn, Josef Antonín Štěpán, and Leopold Koželuh.

Specifically, the ensemble performed:

• Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) Arianna a Naxos Cantata for soprano and fortepiano

• Josef Antonín Štěpán (1726–1797) Sonata for violin and fortepiano Allegro vivace – Andantino – Tempo di Menuetto

• Leopold (bapt. Jan Antonín) Koželuh (1747–1818) Quanto è mai tormentosa Cantata for Soprano, Violin, and Fortepiano

Harmonia Stellarum Houston is an ensemble of vocal and instrumental virtuosos who seek to inspire, entertain, and enlighten audiences with meaningful, historically informed performances of well-known as well as newly discovered musical masterworks.

MEET THE ARTISTS:

Dutch soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg is best known for her dazzling vocal agility and her passionate and insightful interpretations. Stoppelenburg has performed all over the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America as a Baroque and oratorio specialist, and as a concert singer. She has performed most major oratorio works by Handel, Haydn, Bach, and Mozart. Stoppelenburg has performed for the Dutch royal family on several occasions.

New York born Manami Mizumoto, started her lifelong relationship with music at age 3 on the violin. Manami is a graduate of the Juilliard School where she earned a Bachelor’s with Catherine Cho and Joel Smirnoff, a Masters in Historical Performance, and graduated with the Norman Benzaquen Career Advancement Grant. In 2022, she was selected as the newest member of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, and continues to be a Fellow of The English Concert in America, elected in 2021.

Austrian conductor, harpsichordist, and musicologist Mario Aschauer has made his life’s work the interface of music scholarship and performance. Mario holds degrees from the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, the University of Vienna, and the Linz Bruckner Conservatory. Upon completion of a postdoctoral fellowship at the Yale School of Music, he accepted a faculty position at Sam Houston State University where he is currently Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Early Music Research and Performance. He also teaches harpsichord and basso continuo at Rice University and serves as organist at First Lutheran Houston.

Members and non-members were able to attend the CCMH's Masopust of 2023 on Saturday, January 28, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The event was made possible by the support of: Adelma Graham.

These events took place on:

• January 27, 2023

  • Léto patří rebelům (Summer Rebels) — Jonas wants to visit his cool grandpa for a summer of fun on the river, but his mom has other plans. Undeterred, Jonas takes off on an adventure of his own in this tale of rebellion, friendship, catastrophe and, ultimately, redemption.

• February 17, 2023

  • Fair Play — Talented young sprinter Anna (Judit Bárdos) starts training to qualify for the Olympic Games. Anna learns that she is expected to partake in a secret doping program designed to boost her competition.  She refuses but is put under pressure by her coach who, in turn, is under pressure from the highest echelons of the Communist regime, to implement the program. Anna follows her body and her moral compass, which puts her on a direct collision course with the authorities. Her mother (Anna Geislerová), an ex-athlete herself, wants the best for her child, but like Anna is caught in a web of intrigue and lies created by the oppressive regime they live under. Sedláčková uses a sports story to explore the heavy toll exacted on brave individuals who aspired to preserve their dignity and principles under totalitarianism.

• February 24, 2023

  • The Polka King — Local Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan develops a plan to get rich that shocks his fans and lands him in jail. (The dialogue was in English).

• March 10, 2023

  • Zatopek — In the autumn of 1968, the disgraced Olympian and Australian running record holder Ron Clarke escapes to Prague, seeking guidance from his old friend and eccentric mentor, Emil Zátopek, the most famous Czech athlete of all time. As Zátopek imparts his wisdom, the story flashes back to his humble beginnings and follows his career as he broke Olympic barriers to become the greatest Czech athlete. Equally important as his track victories is Zátopek's relationship with fellow Olympian and javelin thrower Dana Zátopková. David Ondříček's captivating biopic is a rousing winner. (The dialogue was in Czech with English subtitles).

• November 17, 2023

  • Listopad: A Memory of the Velvet Revolution — Petr (Filip Tomsa), Jiri (Filip Cíl) and Ondrej (Pavel Richta) are an unlikely trio of friends. An artist, a hockey player and a musician, the boys survive communism by playing sports, drinking beer, chasing girls and listening to underground music. But they are bound together by their common desire for freedom; on a cold November night, they join the front lines of a student demonstration in the streets of Prague. Face-to-face with the riot police, the boys are forced into a momentous decision: stand up against the Communist regime or give in to a system that has silenced their families for generations.

• December 15, 2023 (Double Feature)

  • Tři oříšky pro Popelku (Three Wishes for Cinderella) — The three nuts hide a secret and will allow Cinderella to be a skillful archer in a green hunting vest (in which she first charms the prince when she wins over him in crossbow shooting), or an unknown princess galloping on a horse whose beauty captivates the prince at a ball where he must choose his bride at the behest of his parents. Cinderella finds her way to happiness with the help of her magic nuts, and the prince finds his sweetheart despite all the difficulties thanks to a small shoe that only Cinderella can fit on her foot.

  • Anděl Páně 2 (An Angel of the Lord 2) — The Angel Petronel is still working at Heaven's Gate, but is confident that he deserves a better position. His eternal tempter, the devil Urias, begins to tempt Petronel. All one has to do to know all that only God knows is pick an apple from the Tree of Knowledge, and the path to well-deserved recognition will be clear. Petronel’s argument with Uriáš over the Poznan apple ends catastrophically; in the skirmish, the rare fruit rolls down to Earth. The confused angel and his friend, the devil-tempter, must rush to the human world to find and bring back the apple of Knowledge. On the eve of St. Nicholas, they become entangled in a wondrous tale. They meet little Anežka and her beautiful mother Magdalena, a bunch of dishonest carolers, the ghost Košťál and the sympathetic Párkará. Before they manage to find the apple and return it to where it belongs, they will have to endure a great adventure and go through several dangerous situations. After a series of human and "divine" tests, our heroes finally discover that the path to knowledge leads primarily through oneself, through the discovery of the power of friendship, love, and the ability to forgive. (The dialogue was in Czech with English subtitles.)

This opportunity occurred for members of any level who were seeking to start learning how to speak or even improve their Czech speaking skills!

These events took place on:

• January 23, 2023

• January 30, 2023

• February 6, 2023

• February 13, 2023

• February 27, 2023

This event provided the opportunity for members to meet other parents and join the CCMH’s growing community! Reading, singing, and activities for Czech and Slovak speaking kids took place. Attendees were able to learn about Czech and Slovak customs pertaining to the season and upcoming holidays. Meetings for this event took place in the Comenius Library at CCMH. Children were required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Dětský Svět took place several times, and occurred on the following days from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM:

• January 14, 2023

• February 11, 2023

• March 11, 2023

• April 15, 2023

• May 13. 2023 (not sure because poster says 13 but website says 20)

The event is made possible by the support of: Adelma Graham.