The 100th Anniversary of the Founding of Czechoslovakia Celebrated With Music in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia as an independent state culminated with yesterday's performance by the Czech Philharmonic at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. David Mareček, the CEO of the Czech Philharmonic, received the Antonín Dvořák Prize for Czech Philharmonic´s lasting contribution to Czech culture.

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There is a strong bond between the Czech Republic and the United States of America, the foundation of which was laid in the fall of 1918 when the United States recognized Czechoslovakia as an independent state based on the Washington Declaration of Independence drafted by the Paris-based Czech and Slovak Provisional Government. "I admire the prophetic political views of our first president, T. G. Masaryk, who convinced the American administration 100 years ago of his political vision. His actions, among other achievements, paved the way for the relationship between the United States and the Czech Republic," said Karel Komárek, philanthropist and founder of the KKCG Group, in expressing his appreciation for being able to celebrate the founding of Czechoslovakia. This celebration focused on a concert given by one of the world's best orchestras, the Czech Philharmonic, at the Kennedy Center.

"It is a deeply symbolic event, as we're celebrating the founding of our country and, at the same time, commemorating Antonín Dvořák, a highly notable figure of Czech cultural heritage," mentioned Karel Komárek, founder of the Antonín Dvořák Prize and a long-term supporter of the composer's works not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad.

According to the Kennedy Center's president Deborah Rutter, one of the Kennedy Center's principal, long-term objectives is to cultivate international artistic partnerships and enrich American culture through cultural diplomacy and exchange. "Events, such as the one held today, serve to fulfill this purpose," said Rutter, emphasizing her personal appreciation for the collaboration with Komárek and his wife. "Karel and Stephanie are generous philanthropists, and we hold them in exceptionally high regard," said Rutter. Thanks to the Mr. Komárek's chairmanship of the Culture Committee, Czech artists have had the opportunity to perform on the renowned Millennium Stage.

Mr. Komárek has been a member and sponsor of the Kennedy Center for many years, in addition to chairing its International Committee on the Arts since 2017.

SOURCE KKCG