The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites you to a celebration of International Roma Day, featuring a special piano concert of Roma music performed by Tomáš Kačo and a panel discussion with Jiří Dienstbier, Czech Minister for Human Rights; Drahomíra Miklošová, Mayor of Obrnice, Czech Republic; and Philip Kaplan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary; moderated by Erika Schlager, U.S. Helsinki Commission; on April 8, 2015, at 5:30 pm.

Date: April 8, 2015, 5:30 pm

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008

RSVP by April 6:  www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-international-roma-day-tickets-16235566015   

Tomáš Kačo is a talented young pianist, composer and singer. He studied piano at the Janáček Conservatory in Ostrava and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. In 2014, he received a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. As a solo pianist, his unique style is an interesting fusion of classical, jazz and gypsy music. His piano recitals are based on improvisation. The main idea of these improvisations is a “renaissance” of gypsy music, often improvising on traditional gypsy themes. He has collaborated for many years with renowned teacher and singer Ida Kelarová. They released a CD together called Roma Ballad. Additionally, he has made arrangements of songs for the Pardubice Philharmonic, the Philharmonic of Hradec Králové, and the Janáček Philharmonic in Ostrava. As a pianist, he has performed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary and Slovakia. For more information about the artist and samples of his work, please visit: https://tomaskaco.wordpress.com.