Legendary Czech band Pražský výběr, a discussion with Michael Kocáb and Milan Kňažko, and a concert by Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona. These are just some of the highlights of the final event in the Sounds of Democracy series, taking place on 16 and 17 November in Trenčín. The two-day programme, organised as part of Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture, will commemorate the legacy of the Velvet Revolution and explore questions of freedom, civic courage and the role of art in contemporary society. Admission to all events is free, subject to venue capacity.
Legends of November 1989 to Meet in Trenčín
One of the highlights of Sounds of Democracy: Velvet Revolution will be a concert by the legendary Czech rock band Pražský výběr, led by Michael Kocáb. The band was one of the most prominent representatives of the Czechoslovak new wave movement and was banned from performing publicly between 1982 and 1986. They will perform at the Hviezda Cultural and Creative Centre in Trenčín on 16 November at 7:00 PM.
Before the concert, at 5:30 PM, Michael Kocáb will join actor and former politician Milan Kňažko for a discussion. Both played prominent roles in 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, the challenges facing democracy, and whether art still has the power to drive social change.
“The Velvet Revolution reminds us that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted, nor are they achievements secured once and for all. Throughout the year, Sounds of Democracy has connected significant historical events with the issues we face today. The conclusion of the series therefore holds special significance. Trenčín will welcome people who directly participated in the social changes of 1989, as well as artists whose work responds to the world around us today. We want to create a space where generations can come together, listen to one another and reflect on the kind of society we want to build,” says Stanislav Krajči, Director General of Trenčín 2026.
Two Days of Music, Discussions and Stories of Freedom
The programme will begin on Monday, 16 November, at 4:30 PM with a commemorative gathering at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in St. Anne’s Square. Following the discussion and Pražský výběr concert, the evening will continue with a performance by the music project Story featuring Milan Kňažko. Monday’s programme will conclude with Slovak musician FVCK_KVLT, whose work strongly reflects social and political issues.
Tuesday, 17 November, will explore democracy and freedom in the context of contemporary conflicts. The Hviezda Cultural and Creative Centre will host a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, directed by Mstyslav Chernov, which captures the first weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The screening will be followed by a discussion entitled With a Camera in the Midst of War, featuring documentary filmmakers Juraj Mravec and Dominika Tarinová, moderated by journalist Mirek Tóda.
The programme will also include a theatre performance of Re: Slovak Night of the Long Knives at the Army Cultural Centre (ODA). The production by the theatre company Schwarzes Loch Europas revisits events in Slovak parliamentary history in 1994, using theatre to explore questions of the abuse of power and the fragility of democratic institutions.
The musical programme on the second day will also feature Slovak artist Edúv syn and culminate in a concert by Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona. Her music gives voice to the younger generation of Ukrainians and, against the backdrop of the ongoing war, serves as a reminder that the struggle for freedom is not merely a matter of historical remembrance.
Culture as a Space for Connection in a Divided Society
The Sounds of Democracy series was born out of the belief that music and art can address social issues in ways that go beyond conventional political debate. At a time of growing polarisation, they can create opportunities for people with different views to come together, foster mutual understanding and highlight the values on which democratic societies are built.
This message lies at the heart of every event in the series. Sounds of Democracy approaches historical revolutions not simply as closed chapters of history, but as opportunities to discuss civic responsibility, solidarity and the importance of protecting democratic values in the present day.
Sounds of Democracy Concludes a Series of Five Events
Sounds of Democracy is one of the flagship projects of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture programme. Throughout the year, it has presented five themed events that commemorated key moments in European democratic history through concerts, film screenings, theatre performances and public discussions.
The series began in April with a commemoration of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, followed by Europe Day in May, the Solidarity event in June and Unity in October, marking the anniversary of German reunification. The November event, Velvet Revolution, symbolically brings the series to a close by revisiting the events that fundamentally transformed life in the former Czechoslovakia.
Sounds of Democracy: Velvet Revolution will take place on 16 and 17 November 2026 in Trenčín. The main venues will be the Hviezda Cultural and Creative Centre and the Army Cultural Centre (ODA), while the commemorative gathering will take place in St. Anne’s Square. Admission to the entire programme is free, subject to the capacity of each venue.
The full programme and further details are available on the event page.
