Her birthday will the Hungarian-American chess genius Susan Polgar celebrate in the Dresden Residence Castle Saturday, April 19. The former chess world champion will, on her great day, be the star visitor of this year’s Press Gala. The glamorous meeting of journalists, politicians and business representatives this year will be themed “Rochade in black and white” – on the occasion of the Chess Olympiad Dresden 2008 from 12 to 25 November.

In the former residence of the Saxon king chess queen Susan Polgar will give guests a taste of her mastery and will, as star prize of the top-scale raffle, offer an exclusive introduction into the „royal“ game. The splendid gala night, thus, will be all about the Chess Olympiad, for which Susan Polgar will, for the first time, perform as official ambassador.

Further well-known guest of the evening will be 26-year old artist Vaile who is also active as ambassador of the Chess Olympiad. The actress and singer has been playing chess actively for years and even faced previous chess world champion Wladimir Kramnik in a game. Moreover, the Dresden State Operetta will feature some acts of the musical „Chess“ at the Press Gala. The musical premiere will be in Dresden on June 26, 2008.

For the gala 1600 square meter of carpet and 4000 meter of electric lead will be laid out. 870 square meter of white and 450 of black satin fabric and about 1000 red roses will serve as decoration.