On March 7, 2026, the world will witness a historic moment in classical music with the first-ever complete performance of Jindřich Kàan z Albestů’s solo piano transcription of Bedřich Smetana’s Má vlast. This extraordinary concert, presented by NU AVE ART and performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Matyáš Novák, will take place at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Jindřich Kàan z Albestů was a remarkable yet largely forgotten figure in Czech music. A virtuoso pianist, composer, editor, and educator, he played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of his time. He was a contemporary of Antonín Dvořák and an admirer of Bedřich Smetana, with whom he shared a deep artistic connection. Among his most ambitious contributions to music was his piano transcription of Má vlast, Smetana’s iconic cycle of symphonic poems celebrating Czech history, nature, and national pride.
Despite his extraordinary talent, Kàan remains an overlooked figure in classical music history. His career as a concert pianist was prematurely cut short due to severe stage fright, leading him to focus on teaching and composing. He served as the director of the Prague Conservatory from 1907 to 1918, influencing generations of musicians. Yet his transcriptions, including his adaptation of Má vlast, have never been fully performed in a public concert setting.
Smetana’s Má vlast is one of the most celebrated compositions in classical music. Its six symphonic poems paint a rich musical picture of the Czech lands, its legends, and its enduring spirit. The most famous movement, Vltava, is a sweeping portrayal of the river that runs through Prague, capturing its power and beauty. Kàan’s transcription of Má vlast is a work of immense technical and artistic difficulty, requiring the highest level of pianistic mastery. In fact, Smetana himself praised Kàan’s arrangement, writing in 1881 that the performance of Vltava in his transcription “requires the hands of a true master.”
Yet, for over a century, no pianist has attempted to perform the entire cycle in a single evening—until now.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship packages offer premium experiences, special recognition, and VIP access.
Gold Sponsor – $2,500+
- Premium seating at the concert
- Exclusive meet-and-greet with pianist Matyáš Novák
- Recognition in the Carnegie Hall program
- Invitation to a private welcome reception with a welcome drink
- Signed copy of Matyáš Novák’s CD
- Featured logo/name recognition on our website and promotional materials
Silver Sponsor – $1,000+
- Preferred seating at the concert
- Recognition in the Carnegie Hall program
- Signed copy of the upcoming Smetana Reborn album
- Name listed on our website
Bronze Sponsor – $500+
- Recognition in promotional materials
- Complimentary concert ticket
- Name listed on our website
Donations
With your support, we can bring Smetana Reborn to the world stage. Help us celebrate Czech musical heritage and restore the legacy of Jindřich Kàan for future generations.
Every contribution, big or small, helps bring this extraordinary performance to life.
Donations of $500 or more will receive:
Recognition on our website’s Supporters Wall
Partner with Us
Are you a business, cultural institution, or foundation interested in supporting Czech music and history? Let’s create a meaningful partnership. We offer customized sponsorships, collaborations, and branding opportunities.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikipedia
Bedřich Smetana
(1824–1884)
Bedřich Smetana was a visionary Czech composer and pianist, widely regarded as the founder of Czech national music. Best known for his symphonic cycle Má vlast (My Homeland) and the opera The Bartered Bride, he played a key role in shaping the Czech musical identity.
Smetana’s music blends rich melodies with national themes, often drawing inspiration from Czech history, landscapes, and folklore. Despite losing his hearing in his later years, he continued composing, creating some of his most profound works. His legacy remains deeply influential, securing his place as one of the greatest composers in classical music history.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Jindřich Kàan z Albestů
(1852–1926)
Jindřich Kàan z Albestů was a Czech pianist, composer, and educator, best known for his virtuosic piano transcriptions. A contemporary of Smetana and Dvořák, he played a crucial role in Czech musical life.
Despite his extraordinary talent, severe stage fright cut his performing career short, leading him to focus on composition and teaching. He served as director of the Prague Conservatory (1907–1918), influencing generations of musicians.
His piano transcription of Smetana’s Má vlast remains an unparalleled feat of pianistic artistry—yet it was never performed in full until now.
Matyáš Novák - Pianist
Matyáš Novák is one of the most promising pianists of his generation, known for his vast repertoire, expressive artistry, and distinctive touch.
Born in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, he began playing piano at five. He studied at Imola International Piano Academy under Boris Petrushansky and currently attends the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague with Prof. Ivan Klánský.
Matyáš has performed across Europe, the USA, and China, making his Carnegie Hall debut in 2017. His discography includes albums featuring Liszt, Mozart, and Schubert, with his latest release, Schwanengesang, in 2024.