Music student performs at Czech Consulate event in Manchester

Third year Czech music student Věrka Faldýnová gave a breathtaking performance at an event for the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Manchester on the 15^th of October.

Hosted in the Baronial Hall at Chetham’s Library, Věrka was invited to play two of her original songs, Kněhyně and Slunko nad Javorníkem, as well as singing the national anthems of the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom alongside local Czech school children.

“It is such an honour to represent my country and LIPA at this event,” Věrka told us. “My original music is really focussed on connecting the traditional Czech music I grew up with to something more contemporary.”

“One of the songs I performed, Slunko nad Javorníkem, is all about feeling homesick, something every international student feels sometimes, and missing and appreciating my home country while I’m away. The title literally means 'The Sun above Javorník' and Javorník is name of the hill right near my house in my hometown. In this song, I imagine the places around my home as someone close to me - as a force that takes me by the hand during difficult times and reminds me where I come from.”

The event marked a double celebration, being placed in between Statehood Day and the Czech National Day, celebrating the country’s independence. The event brought together Consul General David Frous, Diane Hawkins, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, representatives of Greater Manchester and the Isle of Man, members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent members of the Czech community from North West England and Northern Ireland.

David Frous, Consul General of the Czech Republic in the United Kingdom, was full of praise for Věrka’s talents. “Věrka’s performance of her two own songs was so moving,” he told us. “Only a lass from Valašsko region, with a bit of Liverpudlian touch, can combine such tenderness with an untamed Moravian soul in one single performance. Věrka is a simply wonderful treasure for the Czech community in the North West.”

Věrka moved to Liverpool from Czechia in 2023, and has described the experience of being an international student as a challenging opportunity. “I learn something new every day. I love how our tutors are encouraging us to stay ourselves, unique, but also learn from each other. LIPA’s environment is just so inspiring, I think I would never be able to truly find out who I am and what music I want to make if it weren’t for this place and the people I’ve met so far. Thanks to LIPA, I remain loyal to my roots while simultaneously broadening my horizons and discovering new opportunities I never even imagined were possible.”