Ostrava Resonates Again with Sounds of Diversity

The Sounds of Diversity project presents music that unites nations and transcends borders. The event will take place in Ostrava, Katowice, Žilina, and Budapest.

This year, the Sounds of Diversity project will take place across multiple cities, starting with performances in Ostrava and Katowice in March, followed by Budapest and Žilina in the fall. Organized by the Creative Center Ostrava, which is also behind the successful festival Hudební současnost, this unique concept brings together artists, composers, and performers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. The concert is going to feature four brand-new musical compositions created especially for this project. These compositions will be interconnected by dance elements with improvisation choreographed by Jana Ryšlavá (CZ) and light design by Piotr Ceglarek (PL).

The Sounds of Diversity project is rooted in the desire to connect the rich cultures of historically linked Central European countries. This year, the project not only symbolically breaks down borders between states but also merges various artistic genres, exploring new forms of expression. Sounds of Diversity inspires both creators and audiences to transcend geographical, cultural, and societal barriers, proving that contemporary classical music has a strong place in modern society. Moreover, it has the ability to engage younger generations.

Evening Program 

The event will premiere four compositions by young composers from the four Visegrád countries, performed by a sixteen-member ensemble composed of musicians from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. The Sounds of Diversity Ensemble will be conducted by the renowned Szymon Bywalec (PL).

A new addition this year is a collaboration with the MOVE Ostrava association. Its director, Jana Ryšlavá, has enriched the concert program with improvisational dance choreography, performed by the esteemed artists Jana Ryšlavá (CZ), Lucie Bielik (SK), and Radoslav Piovarči (SK).

Representing the Czech music scene is Petra Šuško with her composition Šestý smysl (Sixth Sense). The Polish contribution is Przemysław Scheller’s Grande Valse Brillante. Slovakia is represented by Matej Sloboda with Consonanze stravaganti e lumi danzanti, and for the first time, the project will feature a Hungarian work, Viktor Molnár’s The Zone. These world premieres will be performed by a professional orchestra comprising musicians from all four partner countries, conducted by Szymon Bywalec (PL).

Wellbeing as the Central Theme 

This year’s edition, in addition to its traditional theme of embracing diversity, also focuses on Wellbeing. This highlights the importance of life balance and harmony, resonating strongly not only on a personal level but also in a societal context. We believe that music, dance, and scenic light design together create an atmosphere that offers audiences a profound experience and space for reflection—commodities that are more essential than ever in today’s fast-paced world.

Regional Music for a Global Audience

One of the key goals of the project is to support regional composers and their work, which often remains hidden from the broader public. By introducing these works to audiences, the project fosters cultural awareness while demonstrating that classical music is not merely a relic of the past. On the contrary, it is contemporary, vibrant, and offers countless ways to engage modern listeners. The Sounds of Diversity 2025 concert project is not just a cultural experience but also an invitation to a new dialogue between artists, audiences, and society. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique evening that unites music, dance, and human diversity.

For more information, visit www.soundsofdiversity.com. Tickets are available online here and will also be on sale at the venue.