The Prague selection will commemorate the anniversary of the departure of Soviet troops with a special concert
On August 18, bands will be held at the Křižík Fountain in Prague at the Exhibition Grounds to celebrate the 30th departure of the Soviet concerts Prague Selection together with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO). It will also be a reminder of the concert of the Prague Selection in 1991 called Adieu CA, which symbolically confirmed the departure of soldiers from the then Czechoslovakia and Frank Zappa performed as a guest there with the band.
“In the beginning, there were many different events besides. Probably the main motive was that we were depressed on the border of May and June, that the covid had prevented a proper celebration, reminders, but also a warning event of 30 years without occupation. In June, we then joined CNSO. We agreed that even if we miss the date in June, three days before the anniversary of the occupation, it is right to do so, “said David Gaydečka from the United Islands of Prague.
Michael Kocáb, former chairman of the parliamentary commission for the supervision of the deportation, stated that the deportation of troops was a very important day, which Czech politicians are not interested in. “It has been a topic that has been abandoned by our state authorities for thirty years. As if our freedom had no value, “he said. According to him, it is astonishing that, as thirty years ago, this year the celebration is organized by private entities. “Do you understand what this state is, whose national identity has completely disintegrated?” Kocáb asked at a press conference.
Kocáb and Michal Pavlíček, together with the orchestra, will play a cross-section of the Prague selection. The composition was adapted into orchestral form by the American conductor and musician Steven Mercurio, who collaborated with personalities such as Chick Corea, Luciano Pavarotti and Sting. “We are preparing such a special candy, where two songs will be without a symphony orchestra and Steve Mercurio will play the second guitar with me,” revealed Michal Pavlíček.
The concert will also include an exhibition of photographs and pre-recorded memories of witnesses not only for 1991, but also for the occupation in 1968 or events from the 1950s. “We have the opportunity to explain and tell the year 1991, to say what preceded it and what the relationship with the Soviet Union meant. It is important to remind him so that we can understand what is happening today, “said Kristýna Bardová from Memory of the Nation.