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Bedrich Smetana

Renewed by Romance: Smetana's 'The Kiss'

Vendulka (Pumeza Matshikiza) and Lucas (Peter Berger) are pledged to be married — but their quick tempers may put their love in jeopardy. Clive Barda/Wexford Opera Festival hide caption

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Clive Barda/Wexford Opera Festival

Music

Renewed by Romance: Smetana's 'The Kiss'

WDAV

Though Bedrich Smetana lost his hearing in later life, he was able to write this whimsical opera, which tells an awkward story of rekindled romance.

The Kiss

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Conductor Charles Mackerras Dies At 84

Conductor Charles Mackerras, photographed in 1974, will be remembered for rebuilding the reputation of Czech composer Leos Janacek. Getty Images hide caption

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Getty Images

Music News

Conductor Charles Mackerras Dies At 84

Although he never opted for a glittery career, Mackerras was a favorite of fans and critics. His passion for the music of Leos Janacek led him to almost singlehandedly rebuild the composer's reputation as one of the most important opera composers of the 20th century.

Káta Kabanová, opera, JW 1/8 [Act 1. Vís, co mi napadlo?]

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The Bartered Bride

Pavla Vykopalova (right) and Pavel Cernoch play the lovers Marenka and Jenik in Smetana’s Bartered Bride, from the Prague National Opera. Hana Smejkalova hide caption

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Hana Smejkalova

Concerts

The Bartered Bride

Hidden identities, secret bargains and dancing bears characterize this Czech comedy, in a production from the Prague National Opera.

Hear An Introduction To 'The Bartered Bride'

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Music

A Rearranged Marriage: 'The Bartered Bride'

Smetana's brilliant comedy is among the world's most popular operas, yet remains deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of his Czech homeland. Jiri Belohlavek leads a production by the Paris Opera, from the Palais Garnier.

Paris Opera on World of Opera -- 'The Bartered Bride'

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From the Top

Teen Singers Shine in Houston

This week, talented teen voices ring out in the home of Houston Grand Opera. From the Wortham Theater Center, a 17-year-old soprano sings Copland, three Texan "spirits" sing a scene from Mozart's Magic Flute. And, for the grand finale, all the young musicians join to perform music from Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. This program originally aired on April 30, 2008.

Teen Singers Shine in Houston

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From the Top

Young Musicians Show Versatility in Vermont

This week, from the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, Vermont, a teen violinist from Woodstock plays Kreisler, a French horn player performs Strauss, and a 16-year-old pianist from Pittsburgh honors his grandfather's musical legacy. This program originally aired on November 28, 2007

Young Musicians Show Versatility in Vermont

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