The creation of the book, and thus the entire project of mapping and reconstruction of the Rotterdam story of music composer and conductor František Škroup, was supported by a creative grant from the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. Thank you!

Welcome to frantisek-skroup.cz, the official website for the book "Kde domov můj?" (Subtitle: The Rotterdam story of František Škroup.) This website is dedicated to providing readers with information about the book and the talented composer it is based on.

František Škroup was an outstanding Czech conductor, highly respected throughout Europe in his time. He was also a music composer, the author of the first Czech opera, and last but not least, the author of the song "Kde domov můj", which was first performed in Josef Kajetán Tyl's play "Fidlovačka aneb Žádný hněv a žádná rvačka" on the stage of the Stavovské Theatre in Prague on December 21, 1834. Later, this song became the Czech national anthem. This year (2024), the song "Kde domov můj" will celebrate the 190th anniversary of its first public performance.

František (Jan) Škroup (Skraup), portrait by Antonín Machek from 1840

What you find here

Information about the life of František Škroup

How much do you know about the author of the song "Kde domov můj" and the first Czech opera? Here you may read information that you did not know.

Excerptsand samples from the book

Excerpts and short previews from the book offer exciting insights into the story, setting and characters. You will immediately want to dive into the whole story!

Option to purchase a signed copy of the book

A book with a dedication by the author can not only be a nice gift, but it can bring joy to every reader. Order it! But beware! The book is not delivered abroad. However, the author is preparing a tour in the Netherlands in July 2024 and the signed book will be available for purchase at the talks with the author.

Behind the scenes of the creation of the book

How was the book about František Škroup's life in Rotterdam created? What did the author experience and what did she have to deal with? Take a look behind the scenes of the creation of this interesting book.

Opportunities for book signings and events with the author

See when and where you can meet the author of the book, ask her questions, or have her copy of the book signed by her.

Reviews and testimonials from readers who have already enjoyed the book

Reviews and testimonials provide valuable insight into the book and can help potential readers decide if it's worth their time and money.

Testimonials

"A great story was created, which takes place in the nineteenth century, but has a lot in common with today. Yes, times change, but people remain the same. But this story has one more added value, it is not yet closed. Markéta Dočekalová would very much like , so that the famous composer and author of our most beloved song could finally return home, as he longed for. His remains have not yet been identified, but who knows how scientific methods and human will will progress. František Škroup deserves the closure of his story. In in the wide sea of today's books, one appeared that should not sink to the bottom. If I were the Minister of Education, I would certainly include it in the curriculum."

Marie Formáčková, author of more than a hundred books about Czech personalities

"That book is a success. It's in my head and I can't stop thinking about it. And that only happens with good stories. In addition, it is written in such a way that it arouses the desire to visit Rotterdam and go through the places you write about."

Hana Marie Körnerová, author of more than 50 successful novels