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Paul Freeman and the Czech National Symphony and Marketa Sebkova

Not an empty seat left, the packed out Hilton Congress Hall reverberated again with the sounds and melodies of the Czech National Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by world-renowned Maestro Paul Freeman. Attended by over 1000 guests, the concert was an ambitious musical journey through different genres and styles, and as an enthusiastic Hilton general manager Michael Specking called it, “The highlight of the Hilton’s annual events”!

The fourth consecutive Hilton Charity Concert for the benefit of Chance 4 Children’s (C4C) programs for needy and socially disadvantaged children also turned out to be the best yet in terms of charitable revenue collected for at the doors! Breaking for the first time through the magic 100.000 CZK crown benchmark, the total tally exceeded 105.000 CZK, thanks to the generous response of the packed auditorium and the attending guests!

“I wish I could come down there and shake everyone’s hands”, commented a visibly moved Manfred Franke, Chance 4 Children Founder and current president, as he addressed the crowd from stage. “But for obvious reasons a collective, but heartfelt, THANK YOU will have to do. You all have been most generous!”

Superbly organized by Marketa Sebkova and the management team of the Hilton, the evening was a breathtaking musical journey, followed by a truly culinary delight in the form of a giant and sumptuous gala buffet, again, like every year, prepared by the Hilton’s formidable chefs. Noted Czech soloist, Zdena Kloubova, performing as the only guest star, added a very special touch to the evening with her performance. The Hilton cooks delighted the crowd as they performed the Toy Symphony using as instruments their kitchen utensils.

The evening opened with a welcome speech by Michael Specking, setting the tone for what was to come. Eric Bossan, CEO of Pfizer CR, joined him later on stage, reiterating his company’s support and sponsorship of this meaningful and high profile event. Pfizer has been for years one of the major sponsors of this annual concert, underlining their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Mr. Bossan also took the opportunity to announce his company’s decision to form a strategic partnership with C4C’s Dr. Clown program, further demonstrating the company’s serious dedication to charitable causes: “It is my pleasure to announce that my company has formed a partnership with Chance 4 Children and their Dr. Clown program, supporting hospitalized children in their fight against life-threatening illnesses." He added, "I know that together we can make a difference in these children's lives!”

And as the evening came to a close, the guests left with a feeling of having participated in a meaningful and unforgettable event. “It’s been a wonderful evening”, commented Maximillian Prince von Croy, owner of Mercedes Unimog in Rakovnik, who attended the concert for the first time. “The music was fantastic and I’m happy that while attending, I could make a solid contribution to Chance 4 Children’s admirable work as well!”

L. to r.: Michal Donath, Claudia Specking, Paul Freeman, Markéta Šebková, Manfred Franke, Michael Specking

The Hilton cooks performing the Toy Symphony using kitchen utensils