Concert Performance

Ode to Prague and Chicago: Czech Heritage Week at the Driehaus Museum- Jiří Rajniš and Katelyn Bouska

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 2025

In partnership with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago, The Driehaus Museum proudly presents an extraordinary evening of music and cultural exchange. As the culminating event of Czech Heritage Week, acclaimed Czech baritone Jiří Rajniš and pianist-scholar Dr. Katelyn Bouska will join together on the stage of our Murphy Auditorium for a performance that bridges communities through the shared language of art.

This special concert marks the 35th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Chicago and Prague — a milestone honoring decades of cultural exchange, friendship, and collaboration.

Join us for an evening of music and celebration that reflects the rich artistic traditions and enduring bond between these two vibrant cities. Through this performance, we celebrate not only our shared history but also the ongoing connection that continues to inspire and unite our communities across continents.

*Start & end times are approximate.

This event is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted in support of the Museum’s ongoing cultural programming and community days.

About the Performers

Jiří Rajniš is internationally recognized as one of the leading Czech opera singers of his generation. Known for his rich tone and commanding stage presence, he has performed leading roles across Europe at venues including Teatro alla Scala, the Semperoper Dresden, and the Prague State Opera. A graduate of UCLA and the Prague Conservatory, Rajniš’s highlight roles include Don Giovanni and Eugene Onegin, and he is equally at home in concert performance and crossover projects, including work with his ensemble Napolitan Quartet. His debut album, Spanish Songs, highlights his versatility and passion for storytelling through music.

Dr. Katelyn Bouska, a pianist and scholar based in Prague, is dedicated to connecting music with history and cultural exploration. Her performances often revive overlooked works by Central and Eastern European composers, infusing them with new life through research-driven, narrative-rich programming. A sought-after soloist, collaborator, and educator, Bouska invites audiences to see reflections of their own stories in music of the past, creating experiences that resonate across borders and generations.