Jakub Jan

Ryba Czech

Christmas Mass

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J, MIST

ŘEFriday 6th December 2013 at 7pm

Second Church, Notting Hill GateLondon NW6 3AU

It is a singular pleasure to be a part of the Czech Christmas Mass project, one of the most universally shared elements of the Czech cultural tradition. Each year, most children and adults in the Czech Republic look forward to the holiday season, and its delights of Christmas presents, carp and goose, candles and incense, and... the Czech Christmas Mass of Jan Jakub Ryba. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the Emmy Destinn Foundation, we now have the opportunity to partake of this last delight in London.

His Excellency Michael Žantovský

Ambassador of the Czech Republic

The Emmy Destinn Foundation is delighted to be part of this evening’s event, which we hope will provide you with a glimpse of traditional Czech Christmas celebrations. Although Jakub Jan Ryba wrote the Czech Christmas Mass over two centuries ago, its sweet pastoral simplicity continues to evoke childhood memories of snowy villages, rustic nativity scenes and sparkling Christmas trees. This joyous music holds a special place in all Czech and Slovak hearts and is an inherent part of our musical tradition. From early December its beautiful harmony can be heard resounding from churches all across the land. We are most grateful to HE the Czech Ambassador Michael Žantovskýfor his generosity in making this evening possible. We would like to extend our thanks to Mrs. Jana Přikrylová for her unswerving help and support. And we would like to thank conductor Zdeněk Klauda, the Antonín Stehlík Cimbalom Band who travelled here from Moravia, the members of the Parliament Choir, London Ryba Singers, and all the wonderful performers taking part. The Foundation supports emerging young talent and we are proud to present a number of young artists performing this sparkling jewel of Czech music for you tonight.

Jarmila Karas

Founder of the Emmy Destinn Foundation

Jakub Jan Ryba

Czech Christmas MassBenefit Concert for the Emmy Destinn Foundation

Zdeněk Klauda conductor

Nicholas O’Neill organist

Denisa Opršalová soprano

Lucie Špičková mezzo

Martin Šrejma tenor

Ivo Michl bass

Members of the Parliament Choir

Antonín Stehlík Cimbalom Band

Veronika Hyks presenter

With special thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech

Republic for their continuous support and to Mr & Mrs Vlček of

the Czech firm Tipo for their generosity in creating the 2014

Emmy Destinn calendar.

HE

J,MIS

TŘ

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Few Czechs picture their Christmas without its two fish symbols – carp, eaten on Christmas Eve and Jakub Jan Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass (‘ryba’ in Czech means fish).

Around the third week of December huge tubs filled with live carp appear on the street corners of every Czech town. At about the same time almost every church in the land stages a concert performance of Ryba’s Christmas Mass. Originally performed at Midnight Mass on 24th December, it has become a Czech Christmas concert mainstay.

The Mass depicts a shepherds’ nativity play, with simple folk who celebrate the birth of Jesus with music and presents. Believing that people would enjoy it more if they understood the words, he wrote the piece in Czech instead of Latin, which warranted its great popularity.

Jakub Jan Ryba was born in 1765 in Western Bohemia into thefamily of a village teacher. His uncle, a priest, recognised young Jakub’s musical abilities and arranged for him to study in Prague. Ryba’s study days were probably his happiest; he sang with a Gregorian choir, played in a quartet and composed his first pieces. He dreams of a composer’s career faded when, at his father's request he returned home to take up a teaching post.

Despite his copious duties, Ryba composed around 1,400 pieces, masses, songs, arias, sonatas, quartets, concertos and symphonies. A well-read, cultured man who spoke four languages, he believed in educational and social reforms, which got him into conflict with the authorities and made him despondent.

Unable to sustain the disappointment with his life and struggle to feed his family, he took his own life on 8 April 1815. He was found in a forest with his throat and wrists cut, a copy of Seneca’s On Tranquility of Mind next to him.

The cheerful tones of the Czech Christmas Mass carry no signs of Ryba’s internal struggle. After his death it became the most popular Christmas mass, one that no Czech Christmas would be complete without.

© Jarmila Karas

Jan Jakub Ryba

ČESKÁ MŠE VÁNOČNÍ CZECH CHRISTMAS MASS

KYRIEHej, mistře, vstaň bystře, vzhlédni na jasnost, nebes na švarnost, krásu uhlídáš, v tento noční čas. Hvězdy jsou dnes krásnější, obloha je jasnější, měsíc krásně plápolá, světlý je sad obora, denice již vychází, z hájů volá zvěř, cvrlikáním přelibým ptáčků zvučí keř, rozléhá se les. Slyším za horou tam zvuk, moldánkový jemný hluk. Ejhle! Slyšíš, mistře, slyšíš, dudlování, libé hraní, jak to zvučí, krásně hučí: honem vstaň, mistře prohlédni bystře!Nu, nu proč mi nedáš v spaní pokoje?Proč mne nyní lekáš? Řekni, copak je? Celý den jsem v práci byl, v potu tváře lopotil, a tu když mám odpočinout ty mně nedáš spáti; řekni, řekni,copak přece má to znamenati? Co jest to, co jest za libé hraní? Nebeský toť jest zpěv a plesání.Toto já slyším dnes celou noc. To musí znamenat velmi moc. Proto jsem tě probudil, abys slyšel hraní. Jsem rád, žes mne probudil k tomu podívání. Bez všeho honem prodlení běžme tam, kde to libě zní. Této noci přepodivné všecko všudy jest jak ve dne.

KYRIEMaster hey, rise I say,look out at the sky, splendour shines on high, such a glorious sight at this time of night.Now the stars more brightly shine,seldom was the sky so fine,brightly glows the moon tonight,and the park is bathed in light,early shines the morning star,game calls from afar,every bird there sings and the woodland rings.Over the mountains I hear gentle syrinx sweet and clear.See now! Hearken! Master! Do you hear the bagpipes sounding, lovely tunes and drones resounding? Master do take heed, rise now, rise with speed!Why disturb my sleeping when I need to rest? Why are you arousing fear withinmy breast? Long I toiled and I perspired, by the day’s endI was tired, now my strengthI must recover; but since I am stirring, tell me what’s your reason, what can be occurring.What may those strains be, beautythat lingers? Jubilant, heavenly voices.That is the music I heard so long.Much meaning lies in celestial song.That is why I awakened you,so that you could hear it.You did right, that wondrous sight,who would ever believe it!Let us both haste with winged feet, to where that music sounds so sweet.

Jak vše padá libě v uši, jak vše proniká mou duši! Zas to hučí, mile zvučí, pojďme se tam podívat,nechtějme dél prodlévat.

GLORIASláva budiž Bohu velikému, pokoj lidu všemu pokornému, neb se narodil Spasitel,všeho světa Vykupitel. Vstaňte rychle, pastýřové srdce věrného, zanechte stád, pastuškové, srdce dobrého, pojďte k Betlému, městu svatému, uvidíte tam světlo nebeské, Syna Božího, v podobě lidské. To vám zde zvěstujem, nad tím se radujem. Vstaňte rychle běžte k Betlému, k Ježíškovy dnes narozenému!Co je to? Kde je to? Co to slyším za hlas, jenž to volá na nás? A hle! Všecko všudy jasno,vše se krásně třpytí, neobyčejným způsobem obloha se svítí. To musí něco znamenat, musím hned stádo domů hnát. Vzbudím svou chasu, aby tu krásu pozorovala a pak se mnou šla k Betlému jak jsem slyšel, z oblohy když hlas vyšel.To jest jasnost skvostná, to jest noc milostná. Hvězdičky krásně plápolají, krásní tónové se všech stran se rozléhají. Ó vy krásná nebesa, proč se dnes šlechtíte?Proč se dnes tak překrásně nad námi

Over the lea, on this strange night,all can be seen flooded with light. To these strains I am attracted, and my soul is now affected. Lo! that singing, sweetly ringing.We must seek these sounds so gay,so no longer we delay.

GLORIA

Glory to the mighty Lord most holy, peace be unto all, the meek and lowly, God be praised for our Saviour’s birth, He who comes to redeem the earth. Faithful shepherds rise up quickly, for your hearts are true, steadfast guardians, leave your pastures Angels summon you!Come to Bethlehem, to that holy place,There you will behold heavenly signs of grace God’s son has been bornon this happy morn. Joyful news we are bringing praising God with singing. With all haste to Bethlehem now run, for the Lord has given you his Son.What is that? Where is that? Whose voice am I hearingwith good tiding bearing?Lo! how clear the sight before meas I stand here waiting and the sky with jewels studded is now shiningI’ll find out what is must portend,but first make sure my flocksare penned. Next my lads I’ll wake,beauty they shall see, they too I shall takeon the road with me and for Bethlehem we’ll make for that was the voice’s plea.Brilliance so amazing from the stars is blazing! And on this night from alldirections heavenly music rings,wafted down on gossamer wings.Why such splendour in the sky

třpytíte? Betlém stojí jak v ohni, co to má znamenat? Jenom, bratře, tam vzhlédni,pojď se tam podívat! Bratři moji! Copak chceš? Vám zvěstuji, Jen pověz! že jsem slyšel z nebe hlas, a to v tento noční čas, že se narodil světa Mesiáš.Aleluja, aleluja, chvalme Boha mocného! Aleluja, aleluja, ctěme Boha mocného, ctěme Boha dobrého, ctěme Boha dobrého! Pojďme tam, pojďme tam Dítě vítati, písněmi, hudbami vychvalovati, Bohu prostým srdcem díky vzdávati, slavně, hlučně zpívat, Dítě vítati. Pojďme tam, pojďme tam Dítě vítati, jemu díky vzdávati. Aleluja, aleluja, chvalme Boha dobrého! Aleluja, aleluja, chvalme Boha mocného, Boha mocného, Boha dobrého! Ctěme boha mocného!

GRADUALEVzhůru bratři, jenom čerstvě vstávejte! K Betlému se se mnou honem vydejte! Pospíchám teď zvěstovat velikou radost, nelenujte jen vstávat, spatříte jasnost, která Betlém osvěcuje, celé nebeokrášluje, vstaňte s rychlostí, pojďte k Betlému, k Neviňátkovi dnes zrozenému.Kdopak se narodil? Pověz nám!Mesiáš dnes přišel k nám. Kdepak je? V Betlémě.Kdopak je? Pán země. Vstaňte, pojďte se mnou tam, kde se zjevil nám světa všeho

everywhere abounding?Why magnificence on highwhich is so astounding?Bethlehem seems to be ablaze,why can it be glowing?Brother, yonder cast your gaze,there we must be going.O my brothers. We can hear.Tidings have I. Let us hear. I have heard the angels sing of a truly wondrous thing, on this very morn our Messiah was born.Hallelujah! To Almighty Godgive praise! To our bounteous God give praise! Worship now our bounteous Lord! Let’s away and we’ll pay homageto the child, praises sing to our Kingwho is undefiled. Let us thank the Lord! Our hearts are filled with joy, praise with one accordall hail the newborn boy.Let’s away, to the infant we mustgo to pay homage and bow low.Hallelujah! Let us worship the good Lord! Let us praise the mighty Lord! Praise ourbounteous God! Let us worship our Lord God!

GRADUALEWake up brothers,quickly you must rise,we’ll to Bethlehem where a baby lies. With all haste I cometo bring glorious news this night,rise up quickly one and all, dazzling is the light.Bethlehem with light is glowingand the sky with light is growing,we must hasten now on this blessed morn, for at Bethlehem there’s a child been born.Who was born on this morn?We would know! Our Messiah

Mesiáš, Vykupitel náš. Vstaňme, běžme tam, kde se zjevilnám světa Mesiáš, Vykupitel náš.

Jste všichni připraveni? Jsme, jsme! Na cestu přistrojeni? Jděme! Jděme stáda spraviti, potom půjdem k Betlému, s přivítáním poběhnem k Ježíškovi milému.Jeden svolá všechnu chasu a jí vyřídí,aby vzala housle, basu, to jí nařídí. Ty pak, Ferdo, běž hned za háj, vzbudiž celý Záleský kraj, a ty, Jožko, jdi za horu, Janku svolej lidi v boru. Pozvi všecky dobré hudce, zpěváky a hodné trubce, a tak půjdem k Betlémus hlučnou muzikou, k místu právě šťastnému s chutí velikou.Budem Boha ctít srdcem pobožným,jeho velebit duchem pokorným.Všecko všudy svoláme,Ne cestu se vydámeK Betlému teď půjdeme,Boha slavit budeme.

CREDOPospíchejme k Betlému, místu svatému,k Dítěti nebeskému Pánu věčnému! Budem se mu klaněti, zpěvy slavně chváliti nejradostněj vítati Pánavěčného, Syna Božího.Již se jen připravte, hudby si upravte! Budem Boha prostě chválit, ale upřímně, budem Dítě božské slavit zpěvy úplně. Jenom všichni za mnou pojďte, píšťaly a trouby strojte.Copak s sebou máme do Betléma vzít? Copak přece všecko máme s sebou mít? Copak máme s sebou vzíti aneb načpak

was born today. Where is he?In Bethlehem. Who is he? Lord on earth.Rise up come along with methe Messiah is here seek where he appeared to me our redeemer dear!Are you ready, all of you? We are!Quite prepared to set off now?We go! Once our flocks are safe from harm, then to Bethlehem we’ll race,hurry forth to greet the child,greet dear Jesus face to face.Now the lads are all assembledthey are told to bring violin and bass and play sweet music to their King.You Fred go beyond the woodland.,waken them and urge they meet us,Joey, go beyond the mountain, Jack,tell forest folk to join us. All the very best musicians, singers,pipers shall go with us, all shall haste to Bethlem on this day of joy. Dulcet music echoing round the Holy boy. We shall worship God for his wondrous ways and with humble hearts offer him our praise. We’ll proclaim it high and low, everyone with us will go.From our soul our praise will stem, as we go to Bethlehem.

CREDONow to Bethlehem we’ll hasteto the sacred shrine, seeking outthe newborn child, Holy and divine.In his presence we shall kneel,then our hymns will loudly peel,uttering the joy we feel, wondrousis the birth of God’s Son on earth!See all is organised, music supervised,we shall praise our Lord sincerelyin a simple way, and the child with hymns we’ll honour on this blessed day.pipers, trumpeters we need you, all must follow where I lead you.

máme hráti? Jenom nám řekni!Janku, Jožko, Kubo, Ferdo, ostatní všichni.V pravé pobožnosti, svaténábožnosti vyhrávati budeme. Bohu poděkujeme, za nám dané spasení skrz Ježíše zrození. Pojďte, pojďte k Betlému, k místu přeblaženému, chválozpěvyzačneme, jak jen Betlém uzříme.Kdopak dary ponese? Ty námTomek poveze. Tak již raděj půjdeme, Pána chválit budeme, budem vroucnězpívati, Mesiáše,k nám vítati, Tak již pojďme v rychlosti, dojdem velké milosti. Mesiášespatříme, božské dítě uzříme, budem líbat Ježíška dobrého, laskavého, milostného. „Aleluja“Bohu pějme, nebes Otci chváluVzdejme,Bože věčný, Bože velký, nekonečný, ve své moci jsi jediný. Budiž na věky od nás všech chválen, vděčně oslaven, nejvýš veleben, to až na věky, amen.

OFFERTORIUMV pokoře poklekněme, Dítě Boží uctěme! Dary mu obětujme a je srdcem celujme!To je Dítě vznešené, slávou nebes oděné. Jak vztahuje k nám ručičky, jak milostné jsou očičky.Jak nás rádo všecky vidí, jak milostně na nás hledí. Ó, Děťátko milostivé,

Tell us what to take to Bethlehem today.Must we carry much while going that long way? Johnny! Joey! Jimmy! Freddy! And the rest of you! Tell us quickly what to take there and what music we shall make there, tell us what to play!Loving hearts inspire us, steadfast faith will fire us, when as one we sing and play, praising God this holy day, He who has redeemed each one by the gift of his dear Son. Come to Bethlehem with me, that thrice blessed place we’ll see; in that town for which we long, we shall praise the Lord in song. Who will take our presents there? All our offerings Tom will bear.Let us go with one accord so that we may praise the Lord; we shall greet the Holy boy, Christ the Messiah with greatest joy. Now let’s rally to the call. On us God’s own grace will fall. He upon us all has smiled, giving us his Holy child. Reverently the babe we’ll kiss, kind is He and blemish free, such grace has He! Hallelujah! Here we gather praising God, the heavenly Father; we shall carol joyfully, where the child lies peacefully. Hallelujah! God omnipotent! One God have we, our Lord Almighty. Plaudits to the skies will forever rise; all to you will gaze, fervently we praise all your wondrous days. Amen.

OFFERTORIUMLet us kneel with hearts aglow,humbly worship God’s own Sonand our gifts on Him bestow,allow our hearts unite as one.Fine and noble is this child,round Him glows celestial light.His little hands reach out to me,such sparkling eyes, lovely to see;Sweetly He smiles with His dear face,

budiž nám vždy dobrotivé. Ó, Děťátko milostivé, budiž nám vždy dobrotivéTobě se zde klaníme, oběť svou zde činíme, obejmi nás láskou svou, potěš tváří milostnou, obdař všecky milostí, zblaž nás věčnou radostí, uděl nám požehnání, pokojné obcování!Nuže, bratři, zahrajeme, potom zase zazpíváme, ke cti toho Děťátka, útlého neviňátka. Naštymujte hudby jasné, ať nám to jde všecko krásně, jenom řádně do toho, hrajme, co je slušného!S radostí a plesáním, bratři, pějme chvály zde! Všeobecným hlásáním ať náš hlahol k nebi jde!Trouby, zněte hlučně dnes, vděčný zpěv se k Bohu nes, neb jest den dnes spasení, lidu vysvobození.Ježíš Vykupitel náš vytrh´ služebnosti nás, za čež jemu děkujeme, v plesání dnes hudujme!Bože, budiž veleben, na věky věkův, amen,až na věky, amen.

SANCTUSNebe hlásej: "Svatý," obloha zněj: "Svatý," "Svatý, svatý" země pěj, chválu Bohu v síle dej!Nejvyšším onť Pánem jest, nejvyššímu budiž čest! Chvála věčná budiž Tobě, Bože věčný, v každé době! Nebe, země, hlásejte,

Greeting us with infinite grace.O, little child, gracious are you, kindness to us we pray you’ll show.Humbly we bow down to you,offerings we bring all for you.May your glance upon us fall, withyour love enfold us all, grant us youreternal grace and the joy of your embrace.May we all by you be blessed,bringing peace to every breast.Well brothers all music we’ll play,then let us chant hymns that are gay,honouring the Holy Child, innocentand undefiled. Fiddles must be tuned with great care, beautiful strains shall fill the air, we must strive to play our best for the child by whom we’re blessed.Joyfully your voices raise, brothers allin hymns of praise, heavenwards the sound shall go, and ensure the world shall know. Blow the clarion trumpets long, God shall hear our grateful song. He has given us His Son, so redeeming everyone.Jesus Christ is pure and kind, God´s redeemer of mankind,From our burdens we are freed, to our joyful thanks pay heed!Praise the Lord forever more!Amen.

SANCTUSHeaven’s calling “Holy”, round the sky rings “Holy” sings the earth, God be praised for Jesus’ birth. God Almighty reins on high, heartfelt praises fill the sky. Hear our praises, sage of sages, Lord eternal through the ages. Heaven and earth your works proclaim, singing praises to your name. Angel choirs applaud you, we on earth will ever laud you.

chvály, slávy zpívejte! Všichni andělé nebeští, všichni tvorové pozemští, prozpěvujte neskončeně čest, Bohu, který všemu tvůrcem jest!

BENEDICTUSPane země i nebe my zde chválíme Tebe. Klaníme seSynu Tvému, oznamujemvšemu, že již přišlo spasení skrz Kristovo zrozeníCo se zdávna zvěstovalo, to se nyní vykonalo, neb leží v jesličkách již zrozen Pán Ježíš.Tu se jemu obětujem, pravou lásku přislibujem, tobě chceme sloužit vždy, tím pak dojdem věčné mzdy.Rozpal hojně srdceláskou víc a více!Nedej padnout v nepravosti, přikloň všecky k pravé ctnosti. A tak štěstí dojdeme, nebe jistě najdeme. Ó Dítě, dopřej milosti, ať s Tebou vejdem v radosti blažené věčnosti.

AGNUSNyní se do Tvé ochrany poroučíme, s Tebou se Dítě, nebeské, zde loučíme. Zítra zas přijdem, chválit Tě budem, chválit Tě budem. Srdečnou vděčností za dané milosti budem slavně zpívat, zde Tě vychvalovat. Tebe nyní žádáme, o pokoj Tě prosíme. Uděl nám všem pokoj svatý po němž všichni dychtíme.

Glory to the mighty, ever kind God who has created all mankind. With ardour let us sing, loudly praise our Almighty King.pure and kind, God’s redeemer of mankind, from our burdens we are freed, to our joyful thanks pay heed! Praise the Lord forever more! Amen.

BENEDICTUSYou of heaven and earth are King,hear our praises as we sing.Christ receives our adoration for redeeming every nation. So proclaim over all the earth, we’re redeemed by Jesus’ birth. God sent prophets in past ages, to make forecasts, then these sages spoke of God’s leader on earth, now we see his birth.To the Christ child love we proffer, deep devotion always offer. Him we’ll serve with constancy and find bliss eternally.Set our hearts ablaze Lord,full of love and praise. Help us combat all temptation Lord, preserve us from damnation.Light the path of righteousness, we seek heavenly happiness.Your grace we need, we would walk wherever you lead.

AGNUSNow we all pine for grace and protection,help Child divine, we trust you and bidyou farewell, back we’ll be hasting, you ever praising. For your grace reverently thanks we give gratefully. Hearken to our nation, sing in adulation. Blessed child your peace we hail, let it in our hearts prevail. Grant to us your peace so holy.

ZÁVĚRS radostí, s plesáním, s veselostí,srdcem spokojeným od Betléma kráčíme, radost velkou cítíme. Radujme se,veselme se, že jsme viděli Ježíše, který se dnes narodil, celý svět vysvobodil. Tobě, Bože, nebe, moře, lesy, hory, s všemi tvory, ať se klaní vše stvoření, že nám nastalo spasenískrze Ježíše Krista, zaplesej duše čistá! Radujte se všecka stvoření z Syna Božího narození. Slavme Boha nejvyššího,Syna jeho jediného hudbami, citerami, varhanami, též cymbály, píšťalami,též jak bubny, tak troubami ctěmePána mocného, jenž nám dal syna svého! Uděl nám všm spokojenost, vlej do našich srdcí svornost, abychom se milovali, tím jen tebe vyznávali, Bože náš dobrotivý, Otče vždy milostivý! Budem tebe vděčně chváliti, tebe, Pána, vždy velebiti. Budem chválit svého Otce, z upřímného, ctného srdce písněmi, modlitbami milováním tě vzýváním, Otce Boha, jeho Syna, též i Ducha budem vždy velebiti, Tě na věky chváliti. Budiž veleben, až na věky,Amen!

FINAL CHORUSHappiness, elation, jubilation, thehope of endless bliss, we from Bethlehemdepart with great gladness in each heart.Let’s express our jubilation, with a joyfulcelebration, for we know that Jesus’ birthbrings redemption to the earth. Heavens,oceans, forests, mountains, and all creatures Lord adore you, for your goodness we are grateful and prostrate ourselves before you.Jesus Christ to us you gave, Him whose mission is to save. All your creatures living on earth, celebrate our joy of Jesus’ birth! God Almighty we are praising and glad strains of music raising, trumpet bold, bassoon and horn shall celebrate this blessed morn: the cymbals, drums, the harp and lute, the pipe and flute.Lord we praise you now as one, for the gift of your dear Son. Mankind’s need is for contentment, may our hearts find full agreement,Peace on earth, we’re professing love for you for every blessing. Lord whose kindness is divine,Father round whom grace does shine, from our hearts we’ll shower you with praise, offer heartfelt thanks throughout our days. From the soul of each believer God shall be extolled forever. Hymns we’ll sing, our love we’ll bring and prayers take wing to God our King. The Father God and God the Son, the Holy Ghost, to the Three in One we raise joyful hymns of thanks and praise, to resound and echo forever.Amen.

Zdeněk Klauda conductor - began his first attempts at composition at the age of six. He studied the flute, piano and composition at the Jan Neruda Secondary School of Music. Since 2000 he studied conducting under Professor Hynek Farkač and completed his studies at the Academy of Arts in Prague (HAMU) in 2006. He is engaged by the National Theatre, Prague, and as a composer is currently collaborating with the American publishers Alliance Publications, Inc. Since 2008 he has worked with many distinguished conductors - Franz Welser-Möst in a production of Dvořák's Rusalka at the Salzburger Festspiele, Kirill Petrenko in a production of Janáček’s Jenůfa at the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich, Tomáš Netopil in a production of The Bartered Bride in Valencia and in Káťa Kabanová at the Opera National de Paris. In 2012, he participated in a production of Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen at Glyndebourne as a cover conductor and assistant to Vladimir Jurowski.This year he was back there working on a production of Le nozze di Figaro. In the same season he worked at Het Muziektheater Amsterdam on their production of Prokofiev’s Love for Three Oranges. Last year he won a prize in the Thalassa Opera Conducting competition in Romania. Since 2011 he is a guest conductor of the Carlsbad Symphony Orchestra and works regularly with the South Bohemian Chamber Philharmonic. He has frequently worked with the Prague Radio Choir and other Czech orchestras and choruses.

Nicholas O'Neill organist was born in Cheltenham in 1970, and currently lives in London, where he works as a composer and musician. He has recently been awarded the 2012 American Guild of Organists Marilyn Mason Award for Organ Composition. In 1992 he was unanimously awarded first prize in the Norwich Festival Composition Competition. He won the Gregynog Young Composers' Award in 1993, also sharing the Barbara Johnstone Composition Prize in 1995. He has been shortlisted for the William Mathias, Cornelius Cardew, Oare String Orchestra, Purcell and Vocalis composition awards. Nick was recently appointed to Composer in Residence to the Parliament Choir in addition to his ongoing role with them as Chorus Master. In 2009 Nick became the first musician to be appointed Composer in Residence for the Academy of Saint Cecilia where he is also an Honorary Fellow and a member of the advisory panel. He is Chorus Master of the Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir, President of Cantores Salicium and Associate Director of Music at St. Mary Abbots, Kensington. He spent four years as Head of Musical Techniques at Trinity College of Music and also lectured at Birkbeck College, University of London. By night he is keyboardist with rock band JEBO. Nick's website is at www.nicholasoneill.com

Denisa Opršalová soprano - recently completed her music studies at Church Conservatory in Bratislava where she studied under supervision of Ivica Neshybová. She had the honour to work with some excellent artists in various master classes such as in Karlovy Vary with Jürgen Hartfiel, Antonio Carangelo and Ivan Pařík, in London with Rosalinde Plowright or recently in Zaragoza with Monserrat Caballé. Denisa performed in recitals in many fine venues in Bratislava, such as the Primate΄s Palace, Bratislava Castle, Pálffy Palace and Mirbach Palace. In her final graduation performance she portrayed Silvia in Haydn's opera L'isola disabitata. During Music Daysat the State Opera in Banská Bystrica she took the role of Concepción in Ravel's opera L'heure espagnole. Denisa is currently preparing to sing the role of Elsie in Gilbert and Sulliva΄s opera The Yeomen of the Guard.

Anglo-Czech mezzo-soprano Lucie Špičková is active on both the oratorio and operatic platforms in the UK and abroad. She made her critically acclaimed Glyndebourne debut as Lapák the Dog (The Cunning Little Vixen) in the 2012 Festival Season followed by the role of Madame Larina (Eugene Onegin) for Bury Court Opera. Other notable recent engagements include a performance of The Diary of One Who Disappeared with John Reid and Nicholas Mulroy at King’s Place, London, and a song recital with her long-standing colleague, Lada Valešová, for the Leamington Music Festival.

Lucie was a scholar at the Purcell School of Music as a pianist and clarinetist, before taking up a place to read Modern Languages at Oriel College, Oxford, graduating with a 1st class degree. She graduated with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music Opera Programme and whilst at the Academy she won the prestigious Elena Gerhardt Lieder Prize and the Patricia Kris Wolfe prize. She was also awarded the Wilson S&M Eyres Scholarship and an Arts and Humanities Research Council scholarship. She is currently studying with John Evans. www.luciespickova.com

Martin Šrejma tenor – was a soloist with a children’s choir. While still studying at the Prague Conservatoire, he sang Alfredo (La traviata) and Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor at the Prague State Opera and in 2003 he toured Germany and Switzerland with Swiss Opera Company, in the role of Alfred (Die Fledermaus). After completing his studies in 2005, Martin became a soloist of the Prague State Opera where he created the roles of Ferrando (Così fan tutte), and Almaviva (Il barbiere di Siviglia) and later toured Japan. Since 2006 he performs with Opera Mozart (Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni ) at the Estates Theatre. In 2011 he sang under the baton of Asher Fish, Michelis (The Greek Passion) in the Teatro Massimo of Palermo. Since January

2012 he has been a soloist of the Czech National Opera, where he had previously guest appeared as Jeník (The Bartered Bride), Tamino (Die Zauberflöte), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Dr. Cajus (Falstaff) and in March 2012, as Lord Essex (Britten’s Gloriana). At the Moravian-Silesian Theatre in Ostrava he has created Lindoro (L'italiana in Algeri), Lumír (Šárka), Sven (Armida), Tybalt (Roméo et Juliette). Recently he performed Duke of Mantua (Rigoletto) on the revolving open-air stage at Český Krumlov. He also regularly appears as a soloist for oratorios and cantatas.

Ivo Michl bass-baritone - has studied singing since an early age at the Antonín Dvořák Music School in Lipník nad Bečvou, where he twice won the first prize in his category in the National Music Schools Competition. In 2003 he graduated with an MA from the Music Faculty at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he studied with Miloslav Podskalský and Magdalena Hajóssyová. At the Academy Opera Studio he has performed in productions, such as Martinů’s Comedy on the Bridge and the Voice of the Forest or scenes from Mozart’s operas, entitled Wolfi!

At present Ivo is focusing on the interpretation of Baroque music and he also enjoys performing contemporary pieces. He performs with diverse musical ensembles such as Capella Regia, Hofmusic and Harmonia delectabilis. He is presently appearing in Solka’s Naganoand Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo at the National Theatre in Prague and in Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri at the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in Ostrava. He is currently performing as a soloist at the Piccola Opera Mozart in Vienna, in Mozart’s La Finta semplice and Rossini‘s La Scala di seta. Last year Ivo performed at the Emmy Destinn Foundation’s Evening of Opera concert at St. Stephen’s in Hampstead.

Veronika Hyks, long associated with the Emmy Destinn Foundation is a London-born Czech polyglot, voice-over artist, events presenter, talking book reader and broadcaster. A pioneer of audio description for film and television in the UK, she has been involved in its development since 1992. As resident describer at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond and the Rose Theatre, Kingston, as well as working regularly for Vocaleyes, she describes plays, opera and film.

At the end of the year, she will be giving a unique live description of the Oscar-winning film The Artist with full orchestra accompaniment, at the Royal Albert Hall. Veronika is delighted to be introducing this Ryba concert tonight.

Members of the Parliament Choir

Sally Cantello

Philippa Carling

Susan Craig

Susan Dykes

Celia Ellacott

Josy Eldred

Jarmila Karas

Fiona Lamming

Margaret Lykiardopoulos

Helen Nattrass

Barbara Roberts

Maggie Ronald

Cecilia Scott

Julie Wall

Denise Westbury-Haines

Tony Burch

Viscount Bridgeman

John Dawson

Lord German

Bernard Jenkin MP

Tim Lamming

Paul May

Mike Meur

Mark Payne

Charles Thomson

London Ryba Singers

Marta Janitorová

Patty Kostková

Kateřina Vlčková

Stephanie Hanna

Iveta Šestáková

Ladislav Potůček

HE Michael Žantovský

Antonín Stehlík Cimbalom Band

London Ryba Chamber Orchestra

ViolinEmily WuMikael Stoor

ViolaNiko Yiwen ChenKatherine Clarke

CelloAnna Levene

BassJess Ryan

FluteTaylor Irelan

ClarinetAbi HeathLauren Brown

HornKartik AlanMolly Flanagan

TrumpetMathew Rainsford

TimpaniJames Leveridge

EmmyDestinn(1878-1930) was one of the world’s greatest dramatic sopranos at the turn of the 20th century, an operatic legend. Even now, thanks to the surviving recordings, her rich, passionate and dramatic voice still captivates admirers around the world. The story of her colourful life and career equally fascinates and adds to her mystique. Following her sensational debut in Berlin in 1898, Richard Strauss asked her to create the eponymous role of Salome. From her very first performance in 1904 until 1919 Destinn was a huge favourite in London, performing every season at Covent Garden. In 1911 she sang at the coronation of King George V. Puccini chose her for the title role in Madama Butterfly at the London premiere in 1905 and wrote La Fanciulla Del West with her in mind. The premiere took place in 1910 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she was the highest paid female singer. During her triumphant career, universally known as the Divine Emmy, she sung in over eighty roles, frequently accompanied by Enrico Caruso. Her interpretation of Aida,

Tosca and Santuzza - to quote but a few - were considered unparalleled by those who heard her. She was the first dramatic soprano to leave a legacy of her career in more than two hundred records, some of which are rare in their original form. Until recently her extraordinary talents, both musical and literary, her generosity, humour and fierce patriotism were known only to a few scholars and ardent admirers.

This year commemorates 125 years since her birth but her legacy lives on.

The Emmy Destinn Foundation was launched in London in 1997 to

revive the memory of the greatest Czech diva. Emmy Destinn was an

extraordinary woman, whose commitment to her art and to helping

others we hope to emulate. The Foundation’s aim is to provide practical

support to young singers and to promote Czech opera and song.

Destinn’s close links with Britain inspired us to establish an international

vocal competition, The Emmy Destinn Young Singers Awards,

which is open to young singers involved in the advanced study of

classical singing. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we have

been able to create additional awards - the Czech Song, the Most

Promising Singer, the Dvořák Society of Great Britain and an

Accompanist’s Prize. The prizes increase awareness of the vast riches of

the Czech opera and song repertoire. A number of the past winners and

participants are now forming successful careers in major opera

companies. It is the talent and dedication of the young performers that

encourages us in our endeavours. We work towards enhancing the

traditional cultural link between Britain, the Czech Republic and

Slovakia and have the patronage of many esteemed artists and

institutions. The Foundation is primarily dependent on the generosity of

our supporters and fund-raising concerts. We hope to continue

upholding Emmy Destinn’s legacy and providing support to the future

stars of opera.

The British Czech and Slovak

Association aims to raise public

awareness in Britain of Czech and

Slovak life in all its aspects: history,

arts, literature, economies, politics

and sciences.

The Association has a varied

programme of talks and social

events throughout the year, and

runs an annual writing competition.

BCSA members receive full details

of these and other organisations’

activities, discounts to performances

and also get (for no charge) the six

issues of the ‘British Czech & Slovak

Review’ magazine a year.

You can find out more information

about the BCSA on our website

www.bcsa.co.uk - by sending an

email to bcsa@bcsa.co.uk - or

telephoning 020 8795 4875

Programme designed with the assistance of The Friends of Czech Heritage

www.czechfriends.net

Photo © J. Karas