Štěpán Rak & Guests

The "Rak & Rak" program features excerpts of Baroque-style music for solo guitar by Ivan Jelínek, lute music by early masters, and selections from major cycles by Professor Štěpán Rak—such as *In Praise of Tea* (*Chvála čaje*), *Royal Suite* (*Královská suita*), and others. In contrast, his son, Jan-Matěj, presents works that represent a truly unique contribution to the classical guitar repertoire: music by Jaroslav Ježek, songs by R. A. Dvorský, as well as folk and "tramp" (outdoor/campfire) songs. Initially, Jan-Matěj Rak did not share his father’s enthusiasm for classical music; before discovering the works of Jaroslav Ježek, he pursued a path as a singer-songwriter, focusing on genres such as rock ’n’ roll, Mississippi blues, and Jewish or Romani folk music. However, the music of Jaroslav Ježek captivated him to such an extent that he began to further explore the guitar repertoire and refine his technical skills—eventually leading him back to his father’s side to perform this collaborative program. The "Rak & Rak" concert project thus offers a rare opportunity for a diverse and unconventional musical journey.