Some nights ago I had the chance to attend the opening concert in the Jazz at the Castle series. The arrangement--four contrabasses--was something I'd never before seen. The stars of the evening were Frantisek Uhlir, who has been a towering figure on the Czech and European jazz scenes for a generation; and Ali Haurand, an equally well-known German bass player with whom I understand Uhlir first began playing in the early '70s. The result was unique and the concert was memorable. Jiri Stivin (with his hat, of course) also provided some stellar moments when he was invited to the stage to perform.
I was struck as I often have been here by the way that music crosses cultural and generational barriers. In the audience, aside from well-known jazz aficionado President Klaus, I recognized numerous Czech political and cultural leaders tapping their feet throughout the hall. Many of my diplomatic colleagues were also there to enjoy the music. The dazzling array of events here truly places Prague among a handful of the world’s most dynamic cultural capitals. Personally, I've never lived anywhere in which the populace is more appreciative and discerning toward the arts than they are in the Czech Republic. Happily, it looks like that trend will continue as the Czech jazz legends had invited three promising young contrabassists to share the stage with them. The skill and enthusiasm they displayed illustrated for me that the future of the arts in the Czech Republic remains bright. I'm especially pleased that our two sons have been able to see so many quality performances and exhibitions during their time here. As they grow older I believe their appreciation of Prague's cultural richness will only increase as their world travels show them just how unique the Czech Republic is in that respect.
