Czechoslovak Artists Score Concert Triumph
Music lovers of Fort William last night heard a sonata never before played on the continent of America. It was Sonata Eroica Op. 24, by the Czech composer, V. Novak, played by the promising young Czech pianist, Oscar
Morawetz.
The well-filled auditorium of the Vocational school, decorated by flags of Czechoslovakia and Britain, echoed to the music of that brave little, "unknown" country, Czechoslovakia, when three outstanding Czech concert artists, Walter Smolka, baritone, Oscar Morawetz,
piano, and Miss Sonia Pecmanova, violinist, presented an excellent repertoire of their country's music.
Object of the concert was to collect funds for the Czech Red Cross in London, England, and to "give Canadians an idea of Czechoslovak music and culture," explained the leader of the trio, Walter Smolka. Many Canadians
- like Americans and English - have an idea that Czechoslovakia was just a backward little country of primitive
people and primitive ways. "Prague, the capital," interjected slim, lovely
Miss Pecmanova, who just celebrated her nine- teenth birthday on the train en route
to the lakehead, a few days ago, "was one of the most advanced and modern cities in the
world,"
Inspiring Music
Opening at 8 o'clock with the large audience standing for the anthems of Czechoslovakia and the Empire, Miss Pecmanova then took the stage and accompanied by Oscar Morawetz on the piano, played Sonatina Op. 100, by Dvorak, followed
by a repertoire of four more numbers. Sonatina Op. 100, a difficult and inspiring piece, was written by the great composer, Dvorak,
while on a trip to New York with his family in 1895.
Walter Smolka followed with a
program of biblical songs based on
original Czech translations of the Bible in the fifteenth century. He was accompanied by pianist Morawetz, who then gave a fine
interpretation of seven Czech national numbers, featured by Novak's Sonatina Eroica Op, 24, which had never before been played
in this country.
After intermission at nine, the program continued until ten with the three artists giving alternate performances, for which they received a great ovation at the conclusion of the concert. Many times during the course of the evening,
Miss Pecmanova's sweet-toned violin and confident technique, brought calls of encore
from the audience.
Oscar Morawetz exhibited brilliant technique on the piano and his performance
showed an unquestionable deep and thorough knowledge of music.
Talented Baritone
Baritone Walter Smolka, a graduate of the Prague Conservatory of Music anrl
trained for the practice of law, is indeed talented. Not until he came to this
country in 1939 did he realize the power and resonance of his voice, and turn
away from piano to concentrate upon singing. He now devotes his entire time to
teaching, lecturing on music and radio work in his new home in Montreal. Miss
Pecmanova, who finished her last two years of high school in Montreal, also
makes her home in Montreal, where her father, Karel J. Pecman, is secretary to
the Czechoslovak consulate general.
Oscar Morawetz was studying piano in Paris when war broke out and he was forced
to flee. Travelling by way of Italy, Spain, San Domingo, the Canary Islands,
Puerto Rico and New York, it took him nine months to reach his family who had a
few years previously taken up residence in this country at Toronto. He now lives
in Toronto and continues with his music study at the Toronto Conservatory of
Music.
The program was under the auspices of the Fort William branch, Canadian Red
Cross, and Mr. P. H. B. Dawson, president of the local Red Cross and Mrs.
Dawson, were among those present.
Tonight the three artists will leave for a tour or the west, giving concerts in
each town or city where there are larger groups or Czechoslovakians. In this way
they do their bit to raise necessary money to carry on the fight for their
stricken little country. - L.W.P.
