Štefan Margita: An anniversary celebrated with singing

Štefan Margita will celebrate his seventieth birthday in 2026 in the most natural way – by singing. He will commemorate the anniversary not only with the album of duets Andělé strážní, but also with an exceptional gala concert in our O₂ arena. Accompanied by PKF – Prague Philharmonia and with a number of star guests, he will offer an evening full of emotions and musical encounters.

In 2026, you will celebrate your seventieth birthday. How does it feel for you – more of a balance sheet, or a new form of energy and a desire to continue creating?
Seventieth is of course a moment when you look back. But for me, it is not a balance sheet in the sense of “it’s already been done”, but rather gratitude. For being able to still stand on stage, enjoy music and have the desire to sing.

You say that “how else can a singer celebrate an anniversary than by singing”. What does singing mean to you today after so many years – has your relationship with it changed?

Actually, it hasn’t changed. It’s still a joy for me and a way to be with people. I just take it more calmly and without the need to prove anything to myself.

Do you feel that some dreams or plans only come with age?
Yes. With age, you discover that some things need time and courage. I used to think that dreams had to come true quickly. Today I know that some come exactly when a person is ripe for them.

What do you enjoy most about duets – the dialogue of voices, human closeness, or the stories that arise between singers?
Everything together. A duet is not just about voices, but about trust. When two people listen to each other on stage, something is created that cannot be learned, but only experienced. And that’s what I enjoy the most about it.

Are there any songs on your new album Guardian Angels that are personally special or even intimate to you?
Without a doubt, the duet with my beloved Hanka.
In the studio, I heard her voice as close as if she were standing next to me. It was one of the most difficult, but at the same time the most beautiful moments in the creation of the album. It wasn’t just working on the recording. It was our silent conversation and meeting. I believe that she was really there with me at that moment.

You invited a number of prominent women from the world of music and acting to the gala concert. What criteria did you use to select them?
Based on humanity. I wasn’t looking for names, but for personalities. Women who have something to say, who have a story, charisma and energy. And also those with whom I have a friendship or a deeper connection.

How is a concert at the O₂ arena different for you from a performance in a classic concert hall?
It’s a different universe. In a concert hall, you’re closer to the audience and you feel more individual reactions. At the O₂ arena, the size immediately hits you. You have to keep an eye on the pace of the evening and keep your attention from start to finish. It’s different, but it’s still about the same thing. About the music and about the people.

How would you describe the atmosphere of the evening you are planning in one sentence?
A great celebration of music and encounters without genre boundaries.

What would you like people to take away from this evening – apart from the musical experience?
That they take away emotions. Something that will touch them personally and take them home with them.

Do you still get stage fright before such big concerts?
Yes. And I’m happy for it. As long as I have stage fright, it means I care.

What gives you the energy of the audience in a hall with thousands of people?
Humility. And at the same time a huge impulse. The audience carries you, but only if you offer them something real.

Is the gala concert in the O₂ arena more of a symbolic full stop, or on the contrary, a new chapter?
I see it as an important milestone. A full stop after one stage of life, but not the complete end. More like a breath before the next chapter.

Do you still have musical dreams that you haven’t fulfilled yet?
Yes. And that’s good. As long as a person has dreams, they have a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

If you had to tell Štefan Margita of today something in the years to come, what would it be?

Don’t do anything differently.

photo credits: Anna Kovačič (cover), Lucie Robinson (article), Tomáš Krist (gallery)