Olomouc paid tribute to a Czech-American hero. By music

OLOMOUC � On Monday 24 April, in the Metropol cinema, the final concert of the fifth year of the Paschalia Olomucensia project took place. The extraordinary music program paid tribute to Emil Kapaun, who dedicated his life to helping others. In 2013, the heroic war chaplain was posthumously awarded with the highest American military award, Medal of Honor. The Vatican has begun the process of his beatification.

"It is obvious that in our country, the land of his parents and his relatives, we owe a bit to Emil Kapaun. As we know, in a number of countries - in the USA, Germany, South Korea, there are schools, educational institutions, hospitals, etc. named after him. In the Czech Republic we discovered him only in 2013, when he was awarded, in memoriam, the highest American military award. That is why we have decided to change it and within Paschalia Olomucensia we will dedicate two projects to him this year - a concert and an exhibition," said Josef Ko�enek, the organizer of Paschalia Olomucensia.

The concert concluded this whole year. And that with all the grandeur. The biggest star was Mike Terrana from the USA, one of the best contemporary drummers. "However, at first glance the harsh rocker surprises - because he also devotes to a solo project called Symfonica, which connects drumming with classical music. Among his favorite composers in the field of classics are Dvo��k and Beethoven," added Ko�enek. Terrana's musical versatility is attested to also by his love of Frank Sinatra's songs. He showed his art also in the Metropol cinema in Olomouc, where along with other performers he paid tribute to Emil Kapaun.

Also Ladislav K��ek introduced himself on stage with his acoustic songs and accompanied by excellent guitar players Roland Grapow, Ji�� Rain and Michal K�s. The concluding piece was performed by the Olomouc based choir, Amici Musicae Olomucenses Cantant, which was awarded with a big applause from the audience.

Also important personalities participated in the music tribute. Those also delivered the opening speech. These were the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency, Moon Seoung-hyun; a representative of the US Embassy, military attach� Colonel Mark Wootan; the Mayor of Olomouc, Anton�n Stan�k; and the General Vicar of the Archdiocese of Olomouc, Josef Nuz�k, on behalf of the Archbishop of Olomouc, Jan Graubner, who along with the Mayor held auspices over the project.