INTERVIEW: One evening of optimism wasn’t enough – Olga Lounová returns to the O2 universum!

The first evening was magical. The second promises even more. Olga Lounová returns to the O₂ universe with “Sraz optimistů 2” (“Optimists’ Gathering 2”) – a concert that is not a reprise, but a natural shift. After her maternity break, she comes stronger and ready to create a new, even more intense experience.

When she first presented “Sraz optimistů” ​​here, an evening full of emotions, courage, farewells and new beginnings was created. The atmosphere was exceptional and the energy contagious. That is why she is not returning this time to repeat that moment, but to build on it and move it further.

“Sraz optimistů 2” is an evolution – a new chapter that reflects not only musical but also personal transformation. New energy and greater scope are projected into the entire show. Fans can expect a spectacular spectacle: distinctive stage design, projections, dancers, costumes and moments that cannot be planned, only experienced.

You are returning to the O₂ universe with the “Optimists’ Gathering” for the second time. What does this return mean to you?

First of all, I will have both my daughters there. I was pregnant during the first “Optimists’ Gathering”. Therefore, returning to the O₂ universe has a very strong symbolic and personal meaning for me. In terms of work, it means that the first concert was a success – whether in terms of sold-out numbers, atmosphere or fan response – and it makes sense to build on it. At the same time, it is an opportunity to move the whole concept forward. Even considering that I am no longer pregnant, the whole concert will be more action-packed. For example, we will make the “Optimists’ Gathering” a tradition.

You say that the second concert is not a reprise, but an evolution. How will the audience feel it the most?

In everything. From the first moment.
It will be more upbeat, bolder, visually stronger. But most importantly – it will be more truthful. Some moments will be completely new and some familiar things will take on a different dimension. And that is exactly the reason to be there again.

The first “Optimists’ Gathering” was full of emotions and courage. What of that atmosphere has remained in you to this day?

Such a beautiful, full atmosphere will not only leave a memory or a brief “wow”, but a deep inner imprint. I saw thousands of people who suddenly breathed the same way, sang, laughed, cried… and realized that they were not alone in this.

I see and feel that it makes sense and gives me the courage not only to do something in life.
And I carry this on. It is a driving force for me. And actually a commitment – to create it again. Maybe even stronger.

How much does the energy of the audience affect you at such large concerts?

The energy of the audience plays a huge role for me at concerts. It is not just an “extra bonus”, but often the driving force of the entire performance. When the audience is active, the whole hall sings, reacts and shows emotions, I draw energy from it that helps me raise my performance to a completely different level.

You are returning after a maternity break. Has this life change been reflected in your work?

Yes, very significantly. A new baby changes not only your daily rhythm, but also the way you perceive the world. Now that I have two children, I naturally have less space for long continuous blocks of work, so I have learned to work more economically and perhaps more honestly. At the same time, new topics have opened up for me – a certain kind of everyday chaos that has its own poetics. I am now an ordinary mother who tries to be 100% and must be stronger because of it. It is not a return to where I left off, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.

You have had a strong period behind you – personally and professionally. What gave you the most?

Just humility and strength at the same time.
I discovered how much a person can endure… and that even in the most difficult moments, you can find light.
And maybe that’s why this concert means so much to me. It’s not just a show. It’s a celebration of moving on.

A big concert show and a race track – do they have anything in common?

A lot.
Adrenaline, concentration, flow… and especially moments when you’re on the edge.
On stage and on the track, you know that you can’t “go it half-way”. You’re either there all the way, or it’s pointless. And I want this concert to be exactly that – all the way.

Is returning to the same place more pressure than the premiere?

Yes… but different. The first time you don’t have to do anything. The second time you already know what it can be – and you don’t want to go down. But I take that pressure as fuel. It forces me to think more deeply and at the same time take more risks. And that’s a good thing.

This time you are preparing a truly spectacular production. What can we look forward to specifically?

Moments that cannot be played back and felt on a mobile phone.
A great visual show, dancers, lights, emotions… but mainly surprises that I don’t want to completely reveal.
I can only say that some things only happen there and never happen the same way again. And that is exactly the reason to be there.

How important is the visual and scenic dimension of a concert to you?

Terrible. Music is the basis, but the visual is the world in which you experience it at the concert.
I want people not only to go to the concert, but to enter the story. So that they forget everything around them for two hours and are happy there. Really. That is also why I invited the best team to cooperate. I probably don’t even need to introduce Martin Hruška, he is the most successful Czech stage designer. Not to mention the light show of Dominik Šiška and the special effects. For costumes and choreography I also invited the best. Poner and Šimon Sinka have been doing only the biggest projects lately.

What would you like people to take away from the “Optimists’ Gathering 2”?

The feeling that they want to live more.
That they don’t have to wait for a “better moment”. That they can start now.
And also the feeling that they were part of something exceptional. Something that cannot be fully described – only experienced. And that is exactly why it makes sense to be there.

“Optimists’ Gathering 2” is not just a concert. It is a return, a new chapter and a reminder that even if life sometimes hurts, it makes sense to laugh, dance and believe that the best is yet to come. Olga Lounová invites you to an evening that will recharge you with energy – and maybe even change your perspective on what it means to be an optimist.

author: Petr Klapper