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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for British Czech and Slovak Association
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251015T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260419T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204106
CREATED:20251014T160522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T160522Z
UID:11721-1760518800-1776618000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sparks of Freedom
DESCRIPTION:Sparks of Freedom (Paprsky svobody) — that is the name of a new exhibition at Brno’s Moravian Museum. It tells how British academics and intellectuals reached across the Iron Curtain to support Czech dissidents in the 1980s\, focusing on the work of the Jan Hus Educational Foundation and the quiet acts of courage that helped keep independent thought alive under communist rule. \nThe curators of the Department of the History of Culture with an Anti-Totalitarian Focus (LINK) present the story of solidarity between the British and Brno people. Its roots date back to 1980\, when an organization called the Jan Hus Educational Foundation was established in Oxford\, which systematically provided material and intellectual support to Czechoslovak dissidents. In Brno\, co-operation began in 1981; in December 1984 the first seminar was held\, and mutual cooperation lasted without interruption until the Velvet Revolution. In 1990\, the Czechoslovak Jan Hus Educational Foundation was established in Brno\, which continues its activities under the name of the Vzdělávací nadace Jana Husa to this day. \nThe focuses on Brno events over five years in the second half of the 1980s. It presents important areas in which the British provided material and intellectual assistance to the unofficial cultural world in Brno. Thanks to the Jan Hus Educational Foundation\, British academics were able to come and give lectures in private households during the normalization period. The British also helped in the sphere of samizdat\, video projections of banned or unavailable foreign films in Czechoslovakia\, and supported independent Brno artists in the field of music and visual arts. The exhibition and the catalogue present topics that have not yet been given the attention they deserve. They reveal not only the blank spots of Brno’s cultural history\, but also the strong bonds of British-Czech cooperation in the persistent search for freedom. \nFor the full story see How Oxford philosophers supported Czech dissidents — new Brno exhibition tells the story | Radio Prague International \nBishop’s Courtyard\, Marble Hall \nOpening hours  \nWednesday to Friday 9am -5pm \nSaturday 10am-5pm \nSunday 1-5pm \n  \nphoto: Vít Pohanka\, Radio Prague International \n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/sparks-of-freedom/
LOCATION:Moravian Museum\, Muzejní 1\, Brno\, 659 37\, Czech Republic
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sparks-of-Freedom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T233000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20251013T144921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T144921Z
UID:11698-1761955200-1764545400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Czech Film Classics
DESCRIPTION:Watch for free as part of a free trial BFI Player Subscription. To access your special offer\, simply visit player.bfi.org.uk/subscribe. Enter the code MadeinPrague25 to claim an additional free month and discover the greatest global cinema on demand. This offer is only available to audiences in the UK.    \n\nRedeem the offer by 30 November 2025\nYou’ll need to enter your payment card details as your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the free trial period unless you cancel beforehand\n\n\nThe Riders of the Sky\nJindřich Polák\, Czechoslovakia 1968\, 95‘\, English subtitles\nCast: Jiří Bednář\, Jiří Hrzán\, Svatopluk Matyáš\, Elsie Randolph\, Joan Seton \nDrawing on Filip Jánský’s novel and the real-life experiences of Czech RAF gunners\, this gripping black-and-white war drama follows a multinational bomber crew—Czech\, Slovak\, English\, and Canadian—navigating the daily perils of air raids over Germany. When Czech gunner Student is gravely injured during an attack on Nuremberg\, the crew confronts the human cost of war. Featuring authentic aerial footage and a haunting score\, including Ghost Riders in the Sky\, the film is both a thrilling and deeply personal portrayal of wartime aviation. Banned after the 1968 Soviet invasion\, it remains a striking tribute to unsung RAF heroes. \nEcce Homo Homolka\nJaroslav Papoušek\, Czechoslovakia 1969\, 83‘\, English subtitles\nCast: Josef Šebánek\, Marie Motlová\, František Husák\, Helena Růžičková\, Petr a Matěj Formanovi  \nThe final gem of the Czechoslovak New Wave\, Jaroslav Papoušek’s comedy\, follows a single summer day with the Homolka family: grandparents\, their son Ludva\, daughter-in-law Heduš\, and twin grandchildren. What begins as a simple countryside outing descends into chaos\, exposing petty quarrels and the absurdities of everyday life in 1960s Czechoslovakia. Papoušek’s razor-sharp wit\, keen social observation\, and mastery of situational humour bring these unforgettable characters to life\, while the mischievous Forman twins add lively spontaneity. Brimming with iconic dialogue\, comedic brilliance\, and subtle satire\, the film remains a timeless portrait of family\, materialism\, and human folly. \nThe White Disease\nHugo Haas\, Czechoslovakia 1937\, 105´\, English subtitles\nCast: Hugo Haas\, Zdeněk Štěpánek\, Karla Olicová\, Václav Vydra Sr. \nBased on Karel Čapek’s visionary play\, White Disease (1937) tells of a mysterious plague sweeping the world\, sparing no one—rich or poor. Only one man\, Dr. Galén\, holds the cure— but he will release it only if the leaders renounce war. His ultimatum collides with a ruthless dictator preparing for invasion\,— a thinly veiled portrait of Hitler and Nazi Germany. Banned in Czechoslovakia after the 1938 Munich Agreement\, the film remains uncannily relevant today: a tense thought-provoking parable where deadly disease and the lust for power intertwine. A forgotten classic that resonates as urgently now as on the eve of World War II. \n\n  \nPart of 29th Made in Prague Festival / Czech Centre London \n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/czech-film-classics/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/riders-of-the-sky.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251104T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251121T220000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20250413T165321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T165321Z
UID:11059-1762284600-1763762400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Makropolus Case
DESCRIPTION:Composed between 1923 and 1925\, The Makropulos Case (or The Makropulos Affair) is characterised by its unique\, modernist musical style that aligns closely with the opera’s dark and philosophical themes. Janáček’s score employs short and repetitive motifs that mirror the psychological tension and emotional complexity of the opera’s characters. Marked by sharp contrasts\, rhythmic irregularities and unexpected harmonies\, the music creates a soundscape that feels both unsettling and captivating – a synthesis that defines the mysterious character of Emilia Marty. Janáček’s innovative use of speech melodies – melodic lines that mimic the natural inflections of spoken language – contribute to the opera’s intense realism\, making the emotions of each character feel vivid and immediate. Speech melody can be found in much of Janáček’s other operas\, including his earlier-composed Jenůfa. \n\n\n\n\nEmilia Marty\, a famous and mysterious opera singer\, has lived for over 300 years thanks to an elixir of immortality. But when she becomes entangled in a battle to obtain a crucial document that will help her renew the life-extending formula\, she begins to grapple with the emptiness and isolation her centuries-long existence has brought her. \nIn its first-ever staging with The Royal Opera\, Janáček’s haunting and enigmatic masterpiece is reimagined through a contemporary lens by Katie Mitchell\, who explores what it means to love\, and at what cost. Ausrine Stundyte makes a welcome return to the house to sing the mysterious Emilia Marty\, whose immortality is both a gift and a curse. Music Director of The Royal Opera Jakub Hrůša conducts. \ngeneral booking opens 2 July 2025
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-makropolus-case/
LOCATION:Royal Opera House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/makropolus.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251109T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20251013T150710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T102609Z
UID:11702-1762709400-1762718400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Vlny/Waves film screening
DESCRIPTION:The screening of Vlny/Waves will be followed by a Q&A with director Jiří Mádl. \nA broadcast that will change history. Gripping and never-before-published stories by the journalists of Czechoslovak Radio. \n\nPrague\, 1968. Tomáš\, a young technician caring for his rebellious younger brother\, joins the international newsroom of Czechoslovak Radio\, unaware the Secret Service is watching every move. As political tension escalates and Soviet tanks surround the radio building\, Tomáš faces a choice: stand with the defiant journalists or save his brother. Inspired by the untold true story of journalists who risked everything to deliver independent news and keep their broadcasts alive during the 1968 Soviet invasion\, this gripping political thriller blends dynamic cinematography\, compelling performances\, and a masterful mix of archival footage and fiction to capture the intense drama and courage of those fighting for free speech in a city under siege. \nJiří Mádl\, Czech Republic\, Slovakia 2024\, 126’\nCast: Vojtěch Vodochodský\, Tatiana Pauhofová\, Stanislav Majer\, Vojtěch Kotek\, Martin Hoffmann \n  \nBOOKING LINK COMING SOON \nPart of 29th Made in Prague Festival / Czech Centre London \n\n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/vlny-waves-film-screening/
LOCATION:BFI IMAX\, 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk\, Lond
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/vlny.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251113T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251113T210000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20251013T152616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T102114Z
UID:11712-1763060400-1763067600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Semafor: Pop Culture in Prague’s 1960s
DESCRIPTION:Bursting into the 1960s with wit\, charm\, and a rebellious spirit\, Prague’s Semafor Theatre became a beacon of creativity behind the Iron Curtain. The unforgettable duo of Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr brought Czechoslovakia its first wave of modern pop\, offbeat humour\, and a form of rebellion that spoke a language different from that of official power and the media. Their songs became the soundtrack of a generation and a symbol of cultural resistance. \n In this special event\, music historian and author of Suchý & Šlitr\, Semafor 1959–1969\, Pavel Klusák\, and Jiří Šlitr’s daughter\, Dominika Křesťanová\, share stories\, rare insights\, and the cultural legacy of a duo who defined an era\, and the rebellion that stole a language for its own game. \n\nThis event also marks the recent release of Pavel Klusák’s book Suchý a Šlitr: Semafor 1959–1969 (Host\, 2024\, 456 pages\, ISBN 978-80-275-1813-5)\, which explores the rise of Semafor and its cultural impact during a decade of change. The book\, awarded the Egon Erwin Kisch Prize for non-fiction\, offers a vivid portrait of the duo’s creative world and their lasting influence on Czechoslovak popular culture. \nAdmission: £7 (+ Eventbrite fee) see booking link below  \nPart of 29th Made in Prague Festival / Czech Centre London \n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/semafor-pop-culture-in-pragues-1960s/
LOCATION:Czech Embassy cinema\, 26 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/semafor.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251117T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251117T200000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20251030T114711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T121007Z
UID:11783-1763402400-1763409600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Journey to Freedom: International Students' Day
DESCRIPTION:Come join us for a special event to commemorate International Students’ Day and the November 1989 Velvet Revolution. This day marks an important moment in history when students played a crucial role in the fight for freedom and democracy. Let’s celebrate this special day together! \nThe evening will feature: \nA panel discussion “Generation of freedom: what did November 89 give us?” with contributions from H.E. Peter Susko\, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United Kingdom\, and representatives of the young Slovak diaspora in the UK – Simona Vrabcová\, Karin Popovičová\, Gabriel Lovás and Peter Mikitič. \nThe programme will also include the launch of the book Student Odyssey and signing by its author\, Jozef Leikert. \nYou can look forward to musical performance by saxophonist Alžběta Greenwood-Byrne. \nThe evening will be moderated by Jana Nahodilová (BCSA chair). \n\nRefreshments will be provided following the event. \n\nThe event is free\, but booking is essential via link below.\n\nDress code: smart casual\n\nDoors open: 5:40pm\n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/journey-to-freedom-international-students-day/
LOCATION:Slovak Embassy\, 25 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:BCSA Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/international-students-day-banner-design-free-vector.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20250726T125242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250726T125242Z
UID:11474-1763490600-1763497800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:British Museum and the Czechoslovak National Gallery in the1980s
DESCRIPTION:Between 1983 and 1987\, as part of a cultural agreement between the UK and Czechoslovakia\, the speaker\, then a very junior member of the British Museum staff\, was instructed to organise a joint exhibition of the work of Václav/Wenceslaus Hollar to be shown in London and Prague. This led into other collaborations; the talk will give his memories of these exhibitions\, which were often bizarre but always a great pleasure. \nAntony Griffiths\, art historian\, is the former Keeper of the Department of Prints and Drawings\, British Museum\, and Slade Professor of Fine Art at University of Oxford. \nPrice £15 including a glass of wine see Eventbrite booking link below\nTo pay at the door please notify us: events@czechfriends.net \nEVENT ORGANISED WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE EMBASSY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC\nAll proceeds raised go towards the care and conservation of Czech heritage
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/british-museum-and-the-czechoslovak-national-gallery-in-the1980s/
LOCATION:Czech Embassy cinema\, 26 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Friends-BM-lecture.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of Czech Heritage":MAILTO:info@czechfriends.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251121T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251121T230000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20250925T150421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T221442Z
UID:11625-1763749800-1763766000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:BCSA/CBCC annual dinner
DESCRIPTION:Our annual dinner will once again be held with the Czech British Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) this year at a new venue – the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London. If you are a newcomer to the BCSA or to London\, we would like to extend a special invitation and welcome you into our friendly community. Kindly note that you may request seating at a table with your friends. \nThis is a wonderful opportunity for Slovaks\, Czechs and Britons to mingle in a convivial atmosphere\, to meet old friends and make new ones. Members and non-members alike will enjoy networking before and after dinner with business executives and members of the diplomatic community. Guests of  honour include Peter Susko\, the Slovak Ambassador and Václav Bartuška\, the Czech Ambassador. There will be a three-course buffet with wine\,  the results of the BCSA annual writing competition and speeches. You’ll also able to win a wonderful prize in a raffle or purchase a valuable object in an auction.  \nKeynote speakers: \nTomáš Čermák is a 19-year-old student and researcher who\, together with Anna Podmanická from Slovakia\, developed a unique water filtration device called PURA\, which was crowned the Global Winner of The Earth Prize 2025. Tomáš is a co-founder of STEM_HUB\, a student-led organisation connecting passionate Czech students . He was nominated as WIRED’s Game Changer of 2025 for promoting science among young people\, and received an APLAUS award from the Czech National Institute for Autism for raising awareness about autism. Tomáš has just moved to London to study Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College. \nIna Jovicic\, founder and CEO eNOugh  \neNOugh is building the world’s first mini AI bodyguard for everyday safety and has raised $2.6 million from top Silicon Valley investors. Ina was born and raised in Prague and left for the UK to study at UCL. She is a Sigma Squared Fellow and has received an award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. \n  \nRaffle prizes include the following donated by Ensana Health Spa Hotels \nThree-night stay with half board and two treatments for two people in Nové Lázně\, Mariánské Lázně\, Czech Republic \nThree-night stay with half board for two people in Thermia Palace\, Piešt’any\, Slovakia \nThree-night stay with breakfast for two people in one of nine Danubius hotels in Budapest\, Hungary \n  \n SOLD OUT!\n  \nBCSA and CBCC Members: £84 per person \nNon-Members: £95 per person \nNon-Members group (5 or more) £85 per person  \nStudents £76.50 per person \n  \nThe dinner includes a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival\, a three-course buffet menu\, carafe of white or red wine\, sparkling/still water\, tea or coffee. \nMenu: \nSTARTERS \nRoast pepper pasta salad \nMandarin\, pomegranate\, spinach and goat cheese salad \nFig roquette parmesan balsamic \nMixed salad leaves \nMAINS \nRoast turkey with cranberry gravy \nStuffing\, pigs in blanket \nRosemary roast potatoes (V) \nMaple glazed sprouts with herb crust (V) \nHoney roasted carrot and parsnips (V can be made vegan) \nGnocchi with tarragon and wild mushroom ragu (vegan) \nDESSERTS \nChristmas pudding\, brandy sauce (V) \nFruit salad (vegan) \nMince pies with tea or coffee \n  \nDress code: Lounge suit \nFor more information contact us via bcsa@bcsa.co.uk \n 
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/bcsa-cbcc-annual-dinner-4/
LOCATION:DoubleTree by Hilton London- Tower of London\, 7 Pepys Street\, London\, EC3N 4AF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:BCSA Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dinner-2022.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251129T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251129T213000
DTSTAMP:20260411T204107
CREATED:20250424T115024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250424T115024Z
UID:11113-1764444600-1764451800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Steven Isserlis
DESCRIPTION:Bohemia and Moravia\, historic regions of the Czech Republic\, cultivated a rich tradition of cello playing. Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih trace its development from the music of cellist-composer Jan Stiastny (c.1764 – c.1830)\, ‘the Beethoven of the violoncello’\, to striking works by Janáček and Martinů\, the latter written in exile following the Nazi annexation of its composer’s homeland. \nBernard Stiastny   Theme and Variations \nAntonín Dvořák   4 Romantic Pieces Op. 75   (arranged by Steven Isserlis) \nIgnaz Moscheles   Cello Sonata in E Op. 121 \nJosef Suk    Ballade in D minor Op. 3 No. 1\, Serenade in A Op. 3 No. 2 \nLeoš Janáček   Pohádka \nBohuslav Martinů   Cello Sonata No. 1
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/steven-isserlis/
LOCATION:Wigmore Hall\, 36 Wigmore Street\, London\, W1U 2BP\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Isserlis-1.webp
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