Red Bull Symphonic celebrates Czech premiere with Ben Cristovao in Prague

With a large orchestra, new arrangements and numerous musical guests, Ben Cristovao presented his songs in a new musical guise. The first Czech edition of Red Bull Symphonic thrilled thousands of fans at the Prague Congress Centre.

On 29 and 30 September, Cristovao performed together with the 38-member Unique Orchestra at the Prague Congress Centre. A total of 21 pieces in arrangements developed especially for the project were on the programme. Alongside well-known hits, the show also featured guest appearances, dancers and African rhythms.

The staging itself already differed significantly from a classical symphony concert. While a formal black-tie dress code applied to visitors, the 38-member Unique Orchestra appeared on stage in beige tracksuits and white trainers. The ensemble was complemented by Cristovao’s band with Adam Albrecht, Karol Komenda, Antonín Grenár, Michal Mach and Robin Šeba.

Photo: Red Bull CZ

The new orchestral arrangements of the songs were created by Adam Albrecht and Jan P. Muchow, who has won the Czech Film Award Český lev several times for his film music. Musical direction was led by conductor Michaela Rózsa Růžičková.

Cristovao himself appeared in a striking blue outfit by the Berlin design studio Afrobodega. Musically, the show also drew on his family roots. Traditional live percussion and African rhythms featured repeatedly in the arrangements. “For me, this is also a journey of discovery into the second half of my roots,” Cristovao explained, referring to the African elements of the concerts.

Photo: Red Bull CZ

Well-known hits in a new sound

The programme ranged from energetic songs such as “Sweet Chilli” and “Smítko” to quieter moments. The show was also supported by the dance group BRWNS, with choreography by Vahe Akopjan and Zuzana Veselá.

Several musical guests also appeared on stage over the two evenings. Kojo from Rychlí kluci joined Cristovao for “Napořád”, while Sofian Medjmedj performed the songs “Fancy” and “MMA” with him in symphonic versions. On “Aleiaio”, violinist Martina Bačová complemented the arrangement with a violin solo. One of the most personal moments was the live premiere of “Porcelán”.

Photo: Red Bull CZ

The finale came with the hit “Bomby”. Together with dancers, band, orchestra and percussion, the closing number developed into one of the most energetic moments of the two concert evenings.

“I liked how the evening developed and how I myself grew during this process. With some songs, I felt that we were one single living energy,” Cristovao said after the concert. For him, the project should ideally not end with these performances. “I would like to see this as the beginning of this journey. I enjoyed it incredibly much, and I would very much like to continue developing in this direction.”

Photo: Red Bull CZ

Red Bull Symphonic brings together artists from the contemporary music scene with symphony orchestras. Their songs are specially rearranged for the format and performed in orchestral form. The two concerts with Ben Cristovao and the Unique Orchestra on 29 and 30 September were the first edition of the concert format in the Czech Republic.