HPYO alum John Dvořák donates his treasured 1880 French cello to support the next generation of Hamilton musicians
For more than five decades, one cello has carried a remarkable story. A French Mirecourt violoncello from circa 1880, affectionately named Linus, who has journeyed across continents, orchestras, milestones and generations within one remarkable musical family.
Now, thanks to the generosity of HPYO alumnus and former HPO cellist John Dvořák, Linus is beginning a new chapter where that legacy first took root: with a young musician in the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
John’s connection to the HPO is woven into his family history. His mother, the legendary violinist Marta Hidy, served as HPO Concertmaster after arriving in Canada from Hungary in the 1960s. The Dvořák family fled Budapest during the 1956 revolution, eventually settling in Winnipeg, where young John picked up the cello at his mother’s urging.
When the family later moved to Hamilton, music became their anchor once again.
John played in the HPYO under conductor Glenn Mallory, quickly rising to Principal Cellist. His talent eventually led him onto the HPO stage performing side-by-side with his parents and grandmother in a performance he recalls with awe:
“Three generations performed together while my mother played the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. Wow”.
(Dvorak-Hidy Family, 1969. Courtesy of Hamilton Spectator)
John’s professional career brought him to Toronto, where he spent 35 years as Assistant Principal Cellist with Orchestra Toronto, all with Linus by his side.
After a biking accident left John a tetraplegic, he could no longer play. But his priority was clear:
“I wanted to ensure Linus would be played and cared for forever…I think the recipient will fall in love with him and that love will inspire them to practice more and to explore chamber music”.
— John Dvořák
With support from colleague and frequent cello player with the HPO, Mary Katherine Finch, John searched for a home where Linus would inspire emerging musicians.
Hamilton, and the HPYO, was the perfect fit.
Linus was fully restored by Remenyi House of Music before the donation and bears a special engraving on his back:
Linus, a gift of John Dvořák.
The moment HPYO Principal Cellist Jillian deBlieck placed her bow on the strings, she knew she was connecting with something extraordinary.
“My experience with the new cello, Linus, has been wonderful. From the moment I began playing it, I could feel and hear its responsiveness and warmth. The instrument has a rich, resonant tone that makes it a joy to play, and it’s already been helping me feel more confident in the sound produce.”
– Jillian deBlieck
This donation will have a major impact on Jillian’s musical education, as well as the future of musicianship in the HPYO.
“This donation is deeply meaningful to me. It is an extraordinary honour and privilege, and being the very first recipient of the cello makes it even more special. It motivates me to continue growing as a cellist. Knowing that John Dvořák chose to invest in the HPYO in this way is incredibly encouraging, for both me and the organization, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep developing my playing on this instrument. Over the upcoming months, I hope to continue to develop as a musician overall, as well as with this new cello to learn how to best bring out its voice. I’m excited to discover the colours and tonalities that this instrument has to offer. I want to grow technically but also musically and play with more expressions and control. I’m looking forward to hearing my sound evolve through this musical experience with Linus! I’m excited to perform with it, and to share its beautiful sound and story with others”.
– Jillian deBlieck
