Antonin Dvorak was born in Nelahozeves, Czechoslovakia. He spent much of his life in Prague, but visited England eight times and was head of the National Conservatory in New York 1892-1895. He was important nationalist composer, and his direct, fresh style is best exemplified in his orchestral and chamber works, including 9 symphonies, the two Slavonic Dances 1878-1886, the cellos concerto and some notable string quartets.