Latest News and Events
John Dudley – the new Honorary Treasurer
John Dudley is taking over as the Honorary Treasurer from Martin Israel, who served in this position for the last five years. Here is John’s biography:
I am a long term member of the society, having joined while at university in Leeds in the 1980s. Over that time I have always enjoyed the society’s newsletters and publications and I am very happy now to have the opportunity to give something back to the society by taking on the Treasurer role.
I studied the cello at school and in my early teens had my first proper exposure to classical music on joining the local youth orchestra. In my first term, we rehearsed and performed Dvořák’s Eigth symphony. This was my introduction to his music and I was particularly struck by the way that the piece glorifies the cello section. Although my tastes have continued to broaden ever since, the music of Dvořák has always been very special to me.
I continued amateur music making for many years, first with the cello and subsequently singing tenor in large and small ensembles. For my professional career, I took the finance route, qualifying as an accountant in 1995 and taking on a variety of roles in large companies since then. I am currently Vice President, Financial Reporting for the software division of Schneider Electric, a large French listed industrial technology company.
I live in Oundle, Northants with my wife of 34 years, Stephanie. We have a 27 year old son Robin, a software engineer in Nottingham.
The Emmy Destinn Young Singers Awards of 2026
Here are some important dates:
- 20 October 2026: Application deadline;
- 10 and 11 November 2026: Preliminary round;
- 29 November 2026: Final, before a public audience.
For more information, please click here.
Dvořák and England is a new book by David Beveridge, published by the Society that provides a very detailed and expansive exploration of the composer’s relationship with England, covering his nine visits between 1883 and 1896. This book is available in three versions:
- Paperback, no annotation
- PDF file, no annotation
- PDF file with extensive annotation
The two PDF versions are available free of charge to DS members on the Member’s Section Occasional Publications webpage. In addition, Society members who expressed interest have received the paperback copy. All versions of this book are available for sale on the Eshop’s Occasional Publications webpage.
Newsletter #155 has been published, and those members who get a printed copy should receive it around 1 August 2026. All other members of the Society can find it in the Members’ Section.
On Tuesday, 23 April 2026, at 8:00 pm at the cinema of the Czech Embassy in London, there was a special evening dedicated to the newly published book on Janáček’s Sinfonietta with the participation of the authors, Nigel Simeone and Jiří Zahrádka, with Jakub Hrůša as a special guest. See our webpage for more information about this book and how to purchase it. You will read a review of this meeting and of the book in the next Newsletter.
Welcome to our website for members and non-members alike.
1841-1904, composer
1824-1884, composer
The Dvořák Society for Czech and Slovak Music promotes the education of the public in the art music of all Czech and Slovak composers and performers, past and present. It is a UK registered charity, founded in 1974, with international membership. The Dvořák Society aims to foster understanding of the great musical heritage of the Czech Republic and Slovakia by encouraging performances, giving direct financial and other support to suitable projects, and through its publications and study events.
To most music enthusiasts, “Czech” music means the distinguished line of Smetana – Dvořák – Janáček – Martinů but there always was, and still is — so much more to explore. Also, it is not only Czech music but Slovak music and musicians such as Ján Levoslav Bella, Ján Cikker, Alexander Moyzes and Eugen Suchoň that we aim to promote.
There is a section about the history of the foundation of the Society and a gallery of photographs from previous Society trips to the Czech and Slovak Republics.
All our publications have now been digitalised and are accessible to members. For non-members there is a list of publications with summaries of contents and are available to purchase via the e-shop.
Please take a look at the various pages and links. There is much to explore particularly some of the upcoming music events – Leamington Music Festival (May) the major Czech music festivals such as Prague Spring (May), Prague Dvořák Festival (September), and the Janáček Brno Festival (November), plus other specific events in Prague, Litomyšl and elsewhere.
M David Roberts
Chairman of the Dvořák Society.
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Last updated TD, 14 September 2026