Bohuslav “Bob” Rychlik is multi-instrumentalist and internationally recognized player and teacher of fujara, koncovka, and other overtone flutes who has performed across the U.S. and around the world. He established and co-organized 3 international fujara festivals in Slovakia, has taught fujara workshops in U.S., Slovakia, and Czech Republic, and appeared with fujara in film, on TV, and radio in US, Czech, and Slovak Republic. The Maryland Arts Council recognized the fujara as a local traditional instrument and sponsored Bob teaching a fujara apprentice for one year. See his TED talk on Fujara and Freedom describing his personal and musical journey. Bob plays both traditional Slovak and current repertoire, but also composes for fujara, guitar, keyboard, and other instruments. In addition, Bob has performed acoustic blues with the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation for many years. Bob was born in Czechoslovakia, and in 1983 escaped the former communist country with his family, through Yugoslavia and Austria. He has lived in Maryland since 1984. See his Library of Congress fujara lecture/performance below.

Photo credit: Alexandra Lane