Czech Philharmonic to Celebrate International Romani Day

By Francisco Salazar

On April 8, the Czech Philharmonic, in collaboration with renowned singer, musician, choir leader, and teacher Ida Kelarová, will celebrate International Romani Day.

The concert will feature a performance by the Čhavorenge’s Children Choir and will be streamed live from Prague’s La Fabrika.

The program will include jazz, classical, folk, and contemporary Romani music. Kelarová, Čhavorenge and players from the Czech Philharmonic will be joined by members of the Czech Student Philharmonic, Kelarová’s band Jazz Famelija, the Salut Roma dance ensemble, and soloists Radek Bagár (piano) and Milan Angelo Novák (guitar). All 65 performers will be tested before rehearsals begin and the 15 Slovak members of Čhavorenge will quarantine for 5 days.

In a statement, the Czech Philharmonic said,  “Romani children don’t feel welcome in our society. Breaking free from the vicious circle of settlements and ghettos into a world where they are expected to succeed, be self-confident and achieve is hugely difficult. We strive to create a motivating environment which allows them to follow their dreams and goals and pursue their own life stories. But the energy we invest in these children doesn’t pay off immediately – it takes time. I’m delighted that the Czech Philharmonic has been by our side over the past eight years. Even though we’ve made great progress, I realize that it may take several generations before we witness long-lasting change and for the results of our efforts to bear fruit.”

The performance will be available on the Czech Philharmonic’s Facebook page and in 4K via the Orchestra’s YouTube channel from 8:15pm CET, and available on-demand for 7 days.

 

 

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