The “Festive Overture” by Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) was composed for the laying of the foundation stone for the National Theater in Prague in 1868. Due to its dignified character and its expressiveness, this piece was often performed on festive occasions.
Karel Bělohoubek (* 1942) was the conductor and later chief conductor of the Central Band of the Czech Army from 1978 until his retirement in 1999. He devoted himself to arranging and composing since his student days, and made many recordings for the radio and record companies.