Concert in Prague

Yesterday one of my students gave me tickets to a charity benefit concert which was held tonight. I met up with Brenda after my last class today and we went to get a light meal. Ordered nachos only to find that the cafe's version of nachos was a dish of corn chips (most of which appeared to be from the bottom of the packet as they were crushed) and some salsa which I'm sure came from a jar ... Then to the concert.

For about 40 minutes we were regaled with speeches which were, rather kindly, translated into English. The charity supports a hospital in Uganda and we were given copious statistics to explain where the money goes. I find it a sad commentary on our times that a charity has to explain that all the money donated by people is used for the stated aims of the charity.

Interesting programme after the speeches. The first half was Prague Symphony playing pieces by Dvorak and Respighi (one with violin solo, one with cello), then a charming duet by Halvorsen to give the orchestra a rest. The second half was Janacek's Glagolitic Mass. I am really unsure about this piece. I found it, for the most part, quite difficult to listen to. It features a huge orchestra, double choir, massive percussion section, organ and four vocal soloists. My main memory of it is of loudness. The second last movement was for solo organ and didn't seem to fit - not to me anyway. It was exuberant and dramatic. The whole work is described by Google as "one of the century's masterworks". I have to consider that ... I'm not convinced. Glad I got to experience once, but for me, maybe once was enough ...

This photo shows a small part of the Smetana Hall in the Prague Municipal House. The building is a delightful art nouveau confection, located next to a gothic tower. Prague's architecture always fascinates. Today I also discovered Prague's last remaining cubist kiosk.