Marek Novotný & CrossOver Oktet @ Malostranská Beseda 17.4.2025
Sometimes it’s good not only to think out of the box but also step out of it and explore something new and unknown. That was my original intention when approaching last night’s crossover concert event with Marek Novotný & CrossOver Oktet at Malostranská Beseda, Prague 1. I did make a new chapter in my life with music, but at the same time I attended a birthday party, a feast where we, the guests, were the one on the receiving end of presents and gifts, and from the object for the whole celebration himself, Marek Novotný. Marek and his band had put together a concert with friends from the past and present that all one could do was to say thank you and enjoy the show, a show that included some really high class musical performances. And again, as so often in this country, I felt like being in the right place at the right time.
Crossover what?
So my original intention, stepping out of the box. Crossover what? Mixing two or more music styles together, easy. And as you who follow this website know, this is like it was made for me, considering that I’m a bit allergic to the fact that people in general have a huge obsession to compartmentalize music, something I never understood. So crossover theoretically feels like something very interesting, and in my mind also requires some excellent musical skills. Even though I was told last night that normally crossover is somebody who can’t master either one of the musical genres and this is a way to hide it. I’ve heard that comment before, and not only in the world of music and I’m not too sure about it, even if I have the deepest respect for the person and his musical skills who told me this, I was also told that Marek Novotný is the expectation. 
Jazz and classical
Marek Novotný & CrossOver Oktet was a carefully considered target for me, Marek himself, piano player, composer etc. is one of the most respected persons in the republic when referring to crossover music, he has a long history with different varieties of music, studied in USA, Norway (which explains the word Oktet in the bands name). They have some excellent videos I suggest you have a look at if interested. From what I read the band is mostly famous for mixing fuse jazz (whatever that is ) and classical music, they make their own music! All this is nothing new, it’s been made before but that’s not important, the main thing is not what, but how. Personally I was most impressed with the string quartet that gave the whole performance a very special dynamic sound where the highs and lows mixed into each other in a strange way, this may sound stuppied but I don’t know how else to put it. Alltoghter this was a pleasant experience and you can be sure I’ll go again when the opportunity is given to listen to Marek and his band, no matter what or which of his many assemblies he’s playing with, and I suggest you give it a try also, it’s worth it!
) and classical music, they make their own music! All this is nothing new, it’s been made before but that’s not important, the main thing is not what, but how. Personally I was most impressed with the string quartet that gave the whole performance a very special dynamic sound where the highs and lows mixed into each other in a strange way, this may sound stuppied but I don’t know how else to put it. Alltoghter this was a pleasant experience and you can be sure I’ll go again when the opportunity is given to listen to Marek and his band, no matter what or which of his many assemblies he’s playing with, and I suggest you give it a try also, it’s worth it!The bonus
Last night was of course different from any other night, with guest artists/friends giving us and Marek some memorable moments, this was a big bonus! If one has the honor to perform to a person with Marek skills it’s not necessary to say, I’ll do it anyway, you’ll give it your best, and they did. Some of the acts just took your breath away but… Due to my incompetent in the Czech language I didn’t get all the names from the artist. 
So instead of mentioning the ones that impressed me the most, just look at the pictures and try to understand the special feeling from last night. And thank you 
Marek for sharing this with us, and Happy Birthday! 
If one has the honor to perform to a person with Marek skills it’s not necessary to say, I’ll do it anyway, you’ll give it your best, and they did. Some of the acts just took your breath away but… Due to my incompetent in the Czech language I didn’t get all the names from the artist. So instead of mentioning the ones that impressed me the most, just look at the pictures and try to understand the special feeling from last night. And thank you Marek for sharing this with us, and Happy Birthday! To see all the evening’s pictures click HERE!
