On Sunday, October 22, the Bohemian National Hall hosted celebrations of the 450th Anniversary of Palacký University Olomouc. The Gala evening featured Martin Procházka, President of Palacký University; dr. Bohdan Pomahač; Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University; and Michelle Simoneau from the Czech & Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a talk moderated by Jiří Stavovčík. Participants were treated to a magic performance by cellist Zhihao Wu and pianist Isabel Keleti of Leoš Janáček's music piece Pohádka (Fairytale) followed by a piano recital of renowned Czech pianist David Kalhous.
Earlier on the same day, the Bohemian National Hall, a New York City landmark, opened its doors again for guided tours as part of this year's Open House New York, offering a rare opportunity to see this historically significant building. Susan Lucak from the Dvořák American Heritage Association (DAHA) shared interesting insights in the Dvořák Room and folk songs were performed by guitar player and singer Markéta Hejdová. In the Czech Center Gallery, the exhibition "Beautiful Work" introduced visitors to young Czech designers who applied traditional handcraft techniques to create modern art objects. The ground floor of the building was dedicated to an exhibition about Palacký University in Olomouc. Information about the region was provided by representatives of the City of Olomouc and the Olomouc Region.
Photo credits © Bruce C. T. Bybee (Gala) and © Kateřina Lion Gregorová (Open House NY)
