About the Antonín Dvořák Birth House

Where It All Began 

When Antonín Dvořák was born in the picturesque village of Nelahozeves as the eldest of nine children to a butcher and an innkeeper František Dvořák and his wife Anna, no one could have imagined he would become a giant of not only Czech, but world music — with his works even reaching the Moon. 

But even in his early childhood, Dvořák’s family and those around him quickly recognized his talent. Little Toník (how his family called him) Dvořák split his time between practicing violin under the guidance of teacher Josef Spitz and helping out at the family inn — the social heart of Nelahozeves. 

Locals would gather at the Dvořák inn over beer and folk music. These childhood memories became a deep well of inspiration for Dvořák and one of the reasons he developed such a strong interest in folk music, even during his time in America. His masterpieces — such as the Slavonic Dances, the opera Rusalka, and his most famous Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" — all stem from his fascination with traditional folk melodies. 

Today, visitors to Nelahozeves — just 35 km from Prague — can explore Dvořák’s early life and inspirations in a playful, engaging way at the museum housed in his actual birthplace. The Antonín Dvořák Birth House opens the door to the past using modern technology and an interactive exhibition. 

About the Symphony "From the New World"

A Small History of a Great Work 

Dvořák’s Ninth is his final symphony — and also his most famous. Its impact reached beyond the world of music: it was chosen by the Apollo 11 astronauts as part of their soundtrack on the journey to the Moon. Music from the “New World” quite literally touched the stars. 

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, known as "From the New World", was composed in 1893 during Dvořák’s time in the United States, where he served as director of the New York Conservatory. He was inspired by the vast American landscape, the energy of rapidly growing cities, and deep feelings of homesickness. The symphony blends influences from African American spiritual music and Native American traditions, creating a powerful fusion of American and Czech spirit — a meeting of two worlds that resonates throughout the piece. 

The symphony was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, which premiered it on December 16, 1893, at Carnegie Hall, with Anton Seidl as the conductor. The debut was a triumph — the audience applauded after every movement. Still, Dvořák never received the promised fee due to a financial crisis; it was his Berlin publisher, Fritz Simrock, who stepped in to support him. 

The European premiere took place in June 1894 in London. The Czech premiere followed on January 4, 1896, at the Rudolfinum in Prague, where Dvořák himself conducted the very first concert of the Czech Philharmonic. 

Dvořákova 9

When Flavor is the Conductor 

Dvořák’s iconic 9th Symphony continues to inspire — and proof of that is our new beer, Dvořákova 9, crafted under the baton of Lenka Straková, head brewmaster at Pivovar Elektrárna. The lead instruments in this flavor symphony? Three distinctive hops: 

Citra, the star of American hops, brings a fresh citrus aroma to the beer. Its intensity evokes those explosive orchestral moments — the ones that lift audiences out of their seats. 

Harmonie, a Czech hop, is like a subtle motif running through the background of a symphony — understated yet essential. With its spicy-to-floral aroma and balanced character, it connects the hop notes and adds stability and a sense of home — just as Dvořák never forgot the Czech folk traditions that echoed even through his American compositions. 

And finally, Mosaic — a young, modern hop bursting with a colorful palette of fruity and floral notes. This is the innovative touch that elevates the whole composition. Just as Dvořák’s Ninth redefined classical music, Mosaic pushes the boundaries of flavor in this beer. 

Words can't fully capture the sensory experience — so the best way to understand Dvořákova 9 is to taste it for yourself. Besides select taps, you’ll find this limited-edition beer at the Antonín Dvořák Birth House in Nelahozeves, where you can dive into the composer’s world and find your own inspiration at the interactive museum.