Rock in Symphony: An Experience That Gets More Than Just Under Your Skin
On Rebel Sound, we're used to covering classic rock and metal concerts, where sweat, beer and raw, untamed energy fill the air. This time, however, we're taking a look at something a little different. Some members of our editorial team have already experienced concerts like this, while others only knew that such musical fusions existed, without ever having witnessed one themselves.
On Tuesday, 27 October, we had the privilege of experiencing Rock in Symphony – Legends Live Forever firsthand. Prague's O2 Universum was completely sold out, and as soon as the lights went down, the tension in the air was almost tangible. You might think that classical music performed by a full orchestra simply wouldn't work alongside raw rock music, but the opposite is true. Anyone with even a hint of sensitivity to music would find an experience like this utterly captivating. As we arrived, we suspected that this evening would stay in our memories for a very long time. What we didn't realise was that it would leave its mark on our very souls.
When the first notes filled the hall, there was something almost mystical about them. It was as though time had stopped for a moment and the space around us had transformed into a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of memories. Every stroke of a bow seemed to awaken the spirits of legendary rock musicians, hovering above the stage in an invisible haze of nostalgia. This extraordinary musical ritual was brought to life by the international ensemble Soundtopia Rock Band, made up of internationally acclaimed musicians who joined forces with the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague. Together, they delivered a journey through some of the greatest hits in rock history – from AC/DC, Metallica and Pink Floyd to Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Deep Purple. These were no cheap cover versions trying to ride on the coattails of legendary names. They were completely unique, individually crafted interpretations that breathed new life into these timeless classics and gave them an almost otherworldly dimension.
The evening's special guest was Czech band Lucie. When we discovered they would perform only five songs, we were briefly a little disappointed. By the end of the concert, however, we had to admit that it didn't matter at all. In fact, we were glad that the main part of the programme belonged to those magnificent interpretations of international rock legends, accompanied by strings and brass instruments powerful enough to resonate deep within our chests.
Throughout the evening, a strange mixture of emotions battled inside us. We felt wonder, amazement, deep emotion, immense joy, but also the creeping shadows of melancholy. With our eyes closed, the music carried us to places we thought we no longer had the key to. Memories returned of difficult times, the wounds life had inflicted, and moments when we stood at a crossroads in complete darkness. Yet, just as we had once managed to overcome those shadows in real life, we managed to overcome them again that evening. The melodies felt like a soothing balm, like a brilliant light suddenly appearing at the end of a dark tunnel, showing us the way forward.
As we listened to those intimately familiar songs, amplified by the majestic power of the orchestra, something far more profound came to mind. We live in a world and an age in which society is constantly being divided. People turn against one another, pointing accusing fingers at perceived enemies, and somewhere along the way, we are slowly losing something precious – mutual respect. And right in the middle of this tense atmosphere comes a project in which two seemingly completely different worlds intertwine and complement each other with such remarkable ease. It's astonishing how quickly and how often we dismiss the possibility that things might actually turn out well in the end. Here, it was more than obvious that when there is a willingness to connect and a readiness to listen to one another, everything can work in perfect harmony.
If music has the power to speak to you, then this experience must have felt like the most intimate of inner monologues, reaching straight into your heart. Because music has the power to bring people together. And it should bring people together. But just as in life, this can only happen when it goes hand in hand with respect for others. The moment we begin to lose respect for one another, harmony turns into misunderstanding, everything starts to grate unpleasantly, and it certainly won't lead us towards a better tomorrow. Instead, it leads us straight back into darkness.
But sometimes there are moments, musical chords, or just a few tiny lights glowing like fireflies in the darkness that give us that small but desperately needed spark of hope. Hope that we don't have to face so many things alone. That even when everything around us seems to be nothing but noise and confusion, someone – or something – can suddenly appear in this cold world, take us firmly by the hand and say without a single word: "You don't have to face everything alone." And that is exactly what the music whispered to me that evening.
If you've ever considered attending a performance like this, don't hesitate. Not even for a second.
One day, you'll thank us.
And we would like to thank the organisers and everyone involved in making this evening possible, for the respect with which the entire project was put together and for giving us the opportunity to be part of it.
Text and photographs: ta.s.krkavci