Josef Suk composed the Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 6 at the suggestion of his teacher, Antonin Dvorak, who recommended that the pupil broaden the emotional content of his compositions and write more cheerful music. The Serenade garnered the attention and admiration of Johannes Brahms and made Suk’s name known to Europe’s musicians. Though two movements of the Serenade were performed in Tabor in 1893, the first full performance did not take place until 1895 in Prague, and was conducted by Antonin Bennewitz.