Concert of the Czech Classical Music
28.10.2024 / 09:21
To mark the Czech National Day, the Embassy of the Czech Republic organized a concert of classical music at the Damascus Opera House on October 28, 2024. The cultural event took place in the modern building of the Damascus Opera House Opera House and was intended for the general public. The hall with a capacity of 660 visitors was full. Not only Syrians came, but also Czech compatriots, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and various international organizations based in Syria. The highlight of the evening was the Syrian premiere of the prelude from the opera Armida by the Czech composer Antonín Dvorak.
Mr. Roman Masarik, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Czech Republic in Damascus and Mr. Missak Baghboudarian, Conductor of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra
Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus Mr. Roman Masarik, in his speech, emphasized the significance of the Czech National Day on October 28 and the enduring Czech-Syrian relationship. He noted that the Czech Republic maintained its Embassy in Syria throughout the war in Syria, underscoring its commitment to bilateral ties.
Mr. Masarik highlighted a recent visit by the Czech Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in April 2024 and the Czech Republic's advocacy for a revised EU approach toward Syria.
He also spoke about the humanitarian aid provided by the Czech Republic to the Syrian people and about the long-term social and economic ties between the two nations.
Mr. Moataz Kattan, Minister of Water Resources
Syrian Minister of Water Resources Moataz Kattan was Guest of Honour from the Syrian side. During his speech, he expressed deep gratitude for the humanitarian aid of the Czech Republic, especially in the field of drinking water, healthcare and efforts to protect Syria's cultural heritage.
The concert was performed by 50-member Syrian National Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Missak Baghboudarian.
Czech Classical Music Concert in Damascus
The program of the concert was as follows:
1. Presentation of the Czech Republic
2. Minute of silence to honour the civil victims
3. National anthem of the Syrian Arab Republic
4. National anthem of the Czech Republic
5. Speech by chargé d'affaires a.i. Embassy of the Czech Republic Roman Masarik
6. Speech by Minister of Water Resources Moataz Kattan
7. Antonin Dvorak: the Syrian premiere of the overture from the opera Armida
8. Bedrich Smetana: the Syrian premiere of the symphonic poem Vyshehrad (Upper Castle) from the series My Fatherland
9. Antonín Dvorak: aria "To the Moon" from the opera Rusalka performed by the Syrian soprano Rashi Abu Shuker
10. Antonin Dvorak: 4th piece Allegro con fuoco from New World Symphony No. 9
11. Antonin Dvorak: the song "When my mother taught me" (Když mne moje stara matka) from Gypsy Songs Op 55 performed by the Syrian soprano Rashi Abu Shuker
12. Antonin Dvorak: Slavic Dances Dances Op. 72 No. 2
13. Antonin Dvorak: Slavonic Dances Op. 46 No. 8
14. Final thanks
What made this concert unique was the Syrian premiere of the overture to the opera Armida by Antonín Dvořák. The world premiere of this opera took place on March 25, 1904 at the National Theater in Prague, i.e. 120 years ago. The opera connects Prague and Damascus in a unique way, as it is a fairy-tale Middle East story about two different cultures and about the conflict of love and duty. The audience present was enthralled when they heard that 120 years ago, the legendary Armida, the daughter of the King of Damascus, performed on the stage of the National Theatre.
Many visitors appreciated the concert as an unique and rare opportunity to become acquianted with the Czech composers of classical music.
Czech and Syrian media followed the event with different articles, streams and interviews.
Mr. Roman Masarik, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Czech Republic in Damascus, and Maestro Missak Baghboudarian, Conductor of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra