The Diplomatic Spouse’s Association (DSA) has always prided itself for supporting Czech charities year in and year out. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic they have not been able to hold their successful Christmas bazaar for the past two years. This year, however, the DSA with their commitment to support local charities organized a Winter Charity Gala Concert featuring prominent Czech musicians.
The intimate concert was held at the stunning Troja Chateau in Prague at December 4th. The musicians included the gifted pianist, Lukas Klansky; accomplished violinist Katerina Klimankova, talented flutist Martin Klimanek, the incredible baritone of Roman Janal and the enchanting Soprano of Veronika Rovna Hodbova. The magnificent Grand Emperor’s Hall at the Chateau decorated with walls and ceiling frescos, wood carvings, museum tapestries and great acoustics was the ideal backdrop for the rich music that the guests were mesmerised by. The music pieces included classical pieces from Verdi, Ibert, Bizet and Monet. The dulcet tones of Roman and Veronika echoed in the hall and overtook the audience especially during the stirring duet Violetta a Germont by Verdi. Veronika channelled Violetta’s heartbreak beautifully and Roman’s baritone was powerful as he convinced her to give up her love.
During the evening, the DSA also awarded three Czech Charities grants for their proposed projects. The charities included:
Children’s Centre Chocerady, The Centre takes care of children with severe combined disabilities from birth to 18 years.
Anima Terapie : The organization provides support to children and families threatened by addiction and social exclusion
Charitas Novy Hrozenkov: This charity helps seniors, people with disabilities, people after injuries, terminally ill, and caring families through a wide range of services.
The Charity concerts and awards underline DSA’s commitment to the Czech community and people. In the past couple of years, because of the current situation these charities have experienced a greater need of funds and support and the DSA is honoured to be partnering with them.
Recently, art and music has suffered greatly as a result of concerts and shows being cancelled, and audiences thinning out. The DSA Charity Gala concert was a great opportunity to experience classical music with deep roots and wonderful performances at a breath-taking venue and all for a good cause in these uncertain times.
Text written by: Mrs. Mariam Bilal
Photos by: Jitka Tomečková
Ambassador of Japan H.E. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. Tanja Strnisa and Ambassador of Argentina H.E. Roberto Alejandro Salafia
H.E. Mrs. Tanja STRNIŠA (Ambassador of Slovenia), H.E. Mrs. Yosra SOUIDEN (Ambassador of Tunisia)
Ambassador of Moldova H.E. Alexandru Codreanu, Svetlana Codreanu, DSA Vice-president and Mr. Meshulam Zisso, Owner of Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine
Ms. Mariam ORJONIKIDZE, (First Secretary – Georgian Embassy) H.E. Mrs. Mariam RAKVIASHVILI (Ambassador of Georgia), H.E. Mr. Nicholas Stewart ARCHER (Ambassador of the UK, H.E. Mr. Hideo SUZUKI (Ambassador of Japan)
Ms. Mariam ORJONIKIDZE, (First Secretary – Georgian Embassy) H.E. Mrs. Mariam RAKVIASHVILI (Ambassador of Georgia), Mr. Meshulam Zisso, Owner of Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine
Ambassador of South Korea H.E. Taejin Kim and spouse
H.E. Mr. Mauro MARSILI (Ambassador of Italy) and spouse
DSA president Mrs. Atsuko Suzuki
Ambassador of Belgium H.E. Gregoire Nicolas A. Cuvelier and former DSA president Mrs. Zahra Ahmed
H.E. Mr. Adish MAMMADOV (Ambassador of Azerbaijan) and spouse
Mrs. Seema KOTALWAR (spouse of Ambassador of India), Mrs. Anahit HOVAKIMIAN (spouse of Ambassador of Armenia), H.E. Mrs. Mariam RAKVIASHVILI (Ambassador of Georgia)
H.E. Mr. Miklós Boros (Ambassador of Hungary), Mr. Zoltán Szűcs (First Counsellor of Hungarian Embassy)
Ambassador of Italy H.E. Mr. Mauro Marsili and Ambassador of Chile H.E. Patricio Utereras
Ms. Mariam ORJONIKIDZE, (First Secretary – Georgian Embassy) H.E. Mrs. Mariam RAKVIASHVILI (Ambassador of Georgia), Dr. Ashot Hovakimian – ambasador of the Republic of Armenia
Mr. Meshulam Zisso, Owner of Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine and Mr. Vaclav Pavlas – Prague Zoo
H.E. Mr. Luís DE ALMEIDA SAMPAIO (Ambassador of Portugal) and spouse
Ms. Indhira BANARES, (Minister of Embassy of Philippines), Mr. Zisso, Owner of Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine
Mrs. Bernadette Marie H. VAN QUAETHOVEN (spouse of the Belgian Ambassador), Mrs. Erica Margaret ARCHER (spouse of the UK Ambassador)
Mrs. Gabriella Vizi (spouse of the First Counsellor of Hungarian Embassay) Mr. Zoltán Szűcs (First Counsellor of Hungarian Embassy)
Mrs. Zahra AHMED (former president of the DSA), Mrs Mariam Bilal (Commettee member of te DSA) (Pakistan)
Left to right Mr.Jamal Karra, Mrs. Rim Karra, H.E. Mr. Gregoire A.Cuvelier, Mrs. Bernadette Cuvelier, H.E. Mr. Mauro Marsili, Mrs. Carla Marsili, H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Mrs. Atsuko Suzuki, Soprano Ms. Veronika Rovna Holbova, Mr. Anoton Strnisa, Mr. Samo Strnisa, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strnisa, Mrs. Svetlana Codreanu, H.E. Mr. Alexandru Codreanu, Mrs. Su Yeon Kim, H.E. Mr. Taejin Kim.
Mr. Anton STRNIŠA (spouse of the Slovenian Ambassador) , Mrs. Bernadette Marie H. VAN QUAETHOVEN (spouse of the Belgian Ambassador), H.E. Mrs. Tanja STRNIŠA (Ambassador of Slovenia), H.E. Mr. Grégoire Nicolas A. CUVELIER (Ambassador of Belgium)
H.E. Mr. Hideo SUZUKI (Ambassador of Japan) Mrs. Atsuko Suzuki (DSA President)
