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Ida Kelarová, singer and choirmaster of the Čhavorenge choir, received a state award. She was awarded it by the President of the Republic Petr Pavel at Prague Castle on 28 October.
The Čhavorenge choir, which supports Romani children and young people, was founded by Ida Kelarová in 2011. Since 2014 it has been working closely with the Czech Philharmonic. The record of their work together includes over one hundred and thirty concerts in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Austria and the UK, hundreds of workshops, but most importantly the impacted life stories of dozens of Roma children and young people.
"Čhavorenge are my stars. A great hope for all other kids that they can get so far... In the beginning, it was a way out of a settlement, now it's a way out into the world. And it's amazing to see, for example, when Dominik–a boy from a shack in a Slovak settlement–stands up and sings a solo in London in front of a whole audience. And, in front of your eyes, you see the little shack where he lives with others and where there’s no toilet, no water. That's unbelievable."
— Ida Kelarová
We very much appreciate being part of the Čhavorenge project and extend our sincere congratulations.
