The singer was diagnosed with malignant brain tumor in 2002. After long treatment, which included several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the singer literally struggled through the disease. Thanks to her strength and bravery in 2009, she was able to perform again, release an album and even take part in several world tours, not forgetting our capital city. She appeared in Prague for the first time in 2001 and for the last time in 2015 in Prague's O2 arena. It was certainly an unforgettable experience for all the band's fans.

Thank you Marie for everything

In 2016, however, the health complications returned and the lead singer was forced to end her career. The last, tenth, Roxette album, that was released in the same year, was called Good Karma.

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The singer's death in the pre-Christmas time hit the world. Not only her family and friends, but also her fans and, above all, her longtime collaborator, colleague and friend, Per Gessle honored the talented artist in good memory. On his Facebook account, Per expressed not only his gratitude for the possibility of working together, but also his condolences to the bereaved family and friends.

“Thank you Marie, thank you for everything. You were an excellent musician, a voice master, an amazing artist. You've been the greatest friend for over forty years. I send love to you and your family. Things will never be the same again,"

described the musician his pain of loss.

Among the best known songs of this famous couple are songs such as Listen to Your Heart, The Look, Neverending love and especially It Must Have Been Love, a theme song of the famous romantic comedy Pretty Woman, starring with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Not only successful 90’s

Singer and songwriter Marie Fredriksson was born in 1958. She started in the band called Strun, but in 1983 she went on her solo career. Three years later, she teamed up with Per Gessle to form the group Roxette. Their music immediately ranked in the top 10 of the music world charts. In the 1990s they were among the most popular European bands, and became known also to listeners in the US.

Czechs and Slovaks have always been brothers. Although our republics are now divided, we still love each other (kind of) and enjoy celebrating our common history. No wonder that we also want to dance together! This event definitely belongs to the highlights of the ball season, following previous long tradition of Slovak balls in Prague, organized for over 40 years. It gained the hallmark of exclusivity in particular because it is held under the auspices of the presidents of both the Czech and Slovak Republics every year.

VIP visitors

Same as in previous years, the most prominent personalities of the cultural, political, diplomatic, business and social life of both countries will be among the attendees of the Czech-Slovak Ball. A special place in the program of the upcoming year will therefore be dedicated to commemorating the 140th anniversary of the birth of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, who is still considered one of the most respected personalities of the common Czechoslovak, but also Czech and Slovak history.

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Naturally, the ball will also be attended by Czech celebrities. Among those who made a glamorous appearance last year was Czech Miss Nikol Švantnerová, adorned with diamonds worth 4.5 million crowns. This year there will be no shortage of well-known names either.

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Concert performance

The stage will host artists such as Richard Müller, Eva Pilarová, Leona Machálková or Emma Drobná. Their musical accompaniment will be, as per tradition, provided by Gustav Brom's Radio Big Band and the string section of the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra. Fans of folklore are sure to be excited about the performance of the popular ensemble Limbora, while swing fans can look forward to the performances of Jana Dekánková and FATS JAZZ BAND.

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Swan Lake

Dance enthusiasts will enjoy the alpha and omega of the classical ballet repertoire - the cult masterpiece by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Marius Petipa and Leo Ivan, Swan Lake - not in one, but in two truly exclusive numbers. The first and at the same time introductory dance performance will be provided by the Ballet of the J. K. Tyl Theater in Pilsen.

The second ballet performance will be carried out by the ballet duo Olga Chelpanova and Konstantin Korotkov - the first soloists of the Ballet of the Slovak National Theater - who will dance the iconic duet White Adagio, the top of the second act of Swan Lake, originally written as a love duet for Tchaikovsky's opera Undina. The performance will be part of a special program block dedicated to the Slovak National Theater - an important Slovak cultural institution that will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

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Luxury on a plate

An event of this magnitude cannot do without the most luxurious goodies. The gastronomic orgies will be prepared by the chef of the French restaurant Art Nouveau Patrik Bečvář, a member of the National Team of Chefs and Pastry Chefs. Guests can enjoy a three-course menu consisting of six delicious dishes. The main course is dominated by grilled pike-perch or creamy veal ragout. There will also be appetizers, desserts and buffets on each floor.

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The seventh year of the Czech-Slovak Ball will be held on February 8, 2020 in Prague Municipal House. Tickets to the Smetana Hall cost CZK 13,800. The cheapest seating can be found on the second floor balcony for CZK 5,800.