The legendary Czech band Pražský výběr, a discussion with Michael Kocáb and Milan Kňažko, and a concert by Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona. These are some of the highlights of the final event of the Sounds of Democracy series, taking place in Trenčín on 16 and 17 November. The two-day programme of Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture will commemorate the legacy of the Velvet Revolution and raise questions of freedom, civic courage and the role of art in today’s society. Admission to all events is free, subject to venue capacity.
Legends of November 1989 meet in Trenčín
One of the highlights of Sounds of Democracy: Velvet will be a concert by the legendary Czech rock band Pražský výběr, led by Michael Kocáb. The band was one of the most distinctive representatives of the Czechoslovak new wave and was banned from performing in public between 1982 and 1986. It will perform in Trenčín on 16 November at 19:00 at KKC Hviezda, the Cultural and Creative Centre.
Before the concert, at 17:30, Michael Kocáb will join actor and former politician Milan Kňažko for a discussion. Both were prominent figures of the events of November 1989. The discussion will be moderated by music journalist Oliver Rehák. The guests will revisit the ideals of November 1989 and reflect on what remains of them in today’s society, what challenges democracy faces and whether art can still be a driving force of social change.
“The Velvet Revolution reminds us that freedom and democracy are neither a given nor something achieved once and for all. Throughout the year, Sounds of Democracy has connected significant historical events with the questions we face today. That is why the conclusion of the series is particularly meaningful. Trenčín will welcome people who were directly involved in the social changes of 1989, as well as artists whose work responds to the present. We want to create a space where generations can meet, listen and think together about the kind of society we want to build,” says Stanislav Krajči, CEO of Trenčín 2026.
Two days of music, discussion and stories of freedom
The programme opens on Monday 16 November at 16:30 with Remembering November 1989, a commemorative gathering at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism on St. Anne’s Square. After the discussion and the Pražský výběr concert, the evening continues with a performance by Story & Milan Kňažko. Monday’s programme closes with Slovak musician FVCK_KVLT, whose work strongly reflects social and political themes.
Tuesday 17 November will look at democracy and freedom in the context of current conflicts. KKC Hviezda will screen the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol by director Mstyslav Chernov, which captures the first weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The screening will be followed by the discussion With a Camera in the Midst of War with documentary filmmakers Juraj Mravec and Dominika Tarinová, moderated by journalist Mirek Tóda.
The programme also includes the theatre performance Re: Slovak Night of the Long Knives at Okruhový dom armády (ODA). The production by Schwarzes Loch Europas returns to the events of Slovak parliamentary politics in 1994 and uses theatre to raise questions about the abuse of power and the fragility of democratic institutions.
The music programme of the second day will feature Slovak artist Edúv syn and culminate in a concert by Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona. Her work gives voice to the young Ukrainian generation and, in the context of the ongoing war, reminds us that the struggle for freedom is not merely a matter of historical memory.
Culture as a meeting place, even in a divided society
The Sounds of Democracy series grew out of the belief that music and art can open up social issues in a way that goes beyond ordinary political debate. At a time of growing polarisation, they can create space for people with different views to meet, foster mutual understanding and recall the values on which a democratic society is built.
This message connects all events of the series. Sounds of Democracy does not regard historical revolutions merely as closed chapters of history, but as an opportunity to talk about civic responsibility, solidarity and the need to protect democratic values today.
Sounds of Democracy concludes a series of five events
Sounds of Democracy is one of the flagship projects of Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture. Over the course of the year, it has presented five themed events that used concerts, film screenings, theatre and public discussions to commemorate key moments in European democratic history.
The series opened in April with Carnation Revolution, commemorating the revolution in Portugal, and continued with Europe Day in May, Solidarity in June and Unity in October, marking the anniversary of German reunification. The November event, Velvet, symbolically concludes the cycle by returning to the events that fundamentally changed life in former Czechoslovakia.
Sounds of Democracy: Velvet takes place on 16 and 17 November 2026 in Trenčín. The main venues are KKC Hviezda and Okruhový dom armády (ODA); the commemorative gathering will take place on St. Anne’s Square. Admission to the entire programme is free, subject to venue capacity.
The full programme and detailed information are available at www.trencin2026.eu/en/podujatie/sounds-of-democracy-velvet-2.
About Trenčín 2026
Trenčín holds the title of European Capital of Culture in 2026. Through cultural and artistic projects, it creates new opportunities for meeting, cooperation and the active involvement of residents in the life of the city. The Sounds of Democracy project connects European historical memory with contemporary social issues and explores the role of culture in strengthening democratic values.
The project is organised by Trenčín 2026. Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The project is supported by the European Union.
