belongs among exceptional personalities of Czech and international music and together with Bedřich Smetana is the founder of modern Czech music. Already during his life he enjoyed a great international acclaim, which enhanced considerably the prestige of Czech culture and the Czech nation. His pedagogical work at the National Conservatory of Music in New York from 1892 till 1895 also influenced the development of American music.

The largest part of his work are instrumental pieces (symphonic, chamber as well as solo ones), his songs, religious and vocal compositions as well as operas are of the same importance. Dvořák´s music excels in rich and original melodic invention often referring to folk roots, marked rhythm and colourful instrumentation.

As the first-born son he was to take over his father´s profession as a butcher. Nevertheless, his outstanding talent and the family musical background led him to music as early as in his childhood in his birthplace Nelahozeves. He received further musical education during his stay in Zlonice and Česká Kamenice, later he studied at the Prague Organ School (1857-59). Then he played the viola in Komzák´s Band with which he joined the Orchestra of the Provisional Theatre. There he played also under the baton of Bedřich Smetana. From 1874 till 1877 he was organist in the Church of St. Adalbert. From 1875 till 1878 he received the Austrian State Stipendium. Apart from others the composer Johannes Brahms and the critic Eduard Hanslick were among the committee which awarded this stipendium. Upon Brahms´s recommendation the Berlin publisher Fritz Simrock published Dvořák´s Moravian Duets. Following their success he commissioned the Slavonic Dances. That meant the beginning of the composer´s European and later international career. After Germany his music was played in England. In March 1884 he went on his first tour there. His contacts with England culminated in November 1890 when he was appointed Honorary Doctor of Cambridge University.

In 1891 he became professor of composition at Prague Conservatory. A year later he accepted the invitation of Jeanette Thurber, the founder of the National Conservatory of Music in New York to be its director, teach composition and conduct the school orchestra. When he returned to Prague he continued teaching at Prague Conservatory later to become its artistic director. He received numerous distinctions (honorary doctorate of philosophy from Charles University in Prague, he was a member of the Parliament, a member of the jury for the Austrian State Awards, an honorary member of many Czech and Moravian glee clubs, etc.). The best part of Antonín Dvořák´s compositions has been included in the essential repertory of leading international orchestras, opera houses, solo and chamber artists.