I wish for peace in the world, says Vladimir Schlimbach, head of the Girls Saxophone Orchestra

Dear Vladimir, do you happen to have a forged birth certificate? You're far more active than, say, recent retirees. They are, however, a quarter of a century younger...

I'm not much of a forger (smile), but a long time ago I bet on positive thinking, movement, work, music, respect for people and their good and also their art. So it's just coming back to me now. I feel very good, and I kind of think age is just a common digit.

I say you're always thinking ahead, now we have Christmas. What will it be like for you?

If nothing else, this holiday season is a time to reflect, to slow down, to gather with family. I spend it partly with my son and partly with my daughter with other family members. I'm really looking forward to it.

When will the music-working devils start sewing with you?

They're always in permanence. We definitely need to shine with the orchestra at our last concert of the year. It will be in the hall of Vincentka in Luhačovice on December 30th.

You founded the orchestra in 1964 in Vlachovice, slowly approaching its 60th season, do you see it that way?

Of course, it had many peripetias, my wife and I were once brought here to the region by the necessity to get our son from our Lutín to a healthier, cleaner part of Moravia. It's a good thing that happened.

You went to Prague Castle again this year, how many times did you decorate the state awards ceremony?

As it's been flying by so beautifully, we realized it was the 25th time, a nice number.

Who did you talk to there?

There were a number of celebrities. We were delighted to have the presence of former President Václav Klaus, among others. I think that we also pleased our governor Radim Holiš, in a friendly atmosphere it was a wonderful experience, enhanced by the fact that we performed in a holy place for all Czechs.

What do you wish for the New Year?

What you wish for Christmas and actually for every day. That there would be peace in the world, that tensions would disappear, it really bothers me a lot. And that we all be healthy. It may sound a bit corny, but it's absolutely the most important thing.

Categories: Company, What to do in Luhačovice, Why to Luhačovice, Luhačovice, Girls Saxophone Orchestra, Interview, Christmas