20th Anniversary of the Accession of the Slovak Republic, to the European Union
A joint jazz concert of musicians and artists from all celebrating countries took place on April 30 at the Quasimodo Club in Berlin
May 07th, 2024
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the accession of 10 countries, including the Slovak Republic, to the European Union, a joint jazz concert of musicians and artists from all celebrating countries took place on April 30 at the Quasimodo Club in Berlin. April 30 is not only the eve of an important anniversary, but also International Jazz Day. Slovakia was represented at the concert by saxophonist Nikolai Nikitin.
Since the beginning of the year, the idea of a joint event has been developed by all embassies and cultural institutes or cultural departments of these offices affected by the anniversary. The consensus on the organization of a jazz concert came quite quickly. The very idea of performing together also excited musicians. Under the dramaturgical direction of Andrea Marcelli, who is a renowned jazz figure in Berlin, a diverse and high-quality program was created. The artists have not forgotten the acoustic version of the European anthem – Beethoven's Ode to Joy, which opened the concert. The event was supported by the Slovak Institute in Berlin.
Saša Šavel-Burkart, Director of the Slovenian Cultural Centre SKICA, welcomed the invited guests and enthusiastic spectators, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Marika Linntam, gave a joint speech on European values, the importance of cultural diplomacy today and the importance of membership in the European family on behalf of all the celebrating countries.
"The concert sounded harmonious and pleasant, and there were ten different musicians and artists on stage. I think it's nice that they showed us how pleasant European cooperation can sound in music," said Zuzana Megová, director of the Slovak Institute, after the concert.
Nikolai Nikitin praised the cooperation with colleagues, because they also encounter many of them in other international projects. "I very much appreciate the progressive dramaturgy as well as the enthusiasm and commitment of all colleagues on stage. It was great," the Slovak saxophonist enjoyed the only performance of a special European formation.
The Embassy in Berlin was represented at the concert by the Deputy Head of the Embassy Roman Lajčiak and the Director of the Slovak Institute Zuzana Megová. Among the invited guests of the concert were Anna Lührmann, Minister of State for European Affairs and Climate of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Claudia Roth, Federal German Government Commissioner for Culture and Media. The concert was also enjoyed by many compatriots and personalities from social, economic, cultural and economic life.
