Delve into the chamber music of Smetana, Dvorák, Suk and Janácek in three afternoon study sessions. We journey from the mid-nineteenth century into the twentieth, as a preoccupation with the notion of Czech musical identity develops from the simple adoption of dance rhythms to a profound engagement with the indigenous music of the region. Often these compositions are deeply personal, even autobiographical, and they show both the development of a national style and the emergence of some wonderful and highly individual musical voices within it.

The Study Group is hosted by composer Julian Philips with pianist Laura Roberts and visiting musicologists, and includes music performed by students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.