Kolowrátek celebrated its fifth birthday with a concert
The Church of St. Vavřinec below Prague´s Petřín was host to a very exceptional event on Thursday, January 16th.
Several world-renowned musicians performed at this benefit concert.
Exceptional artists and special guests were all in attendance to honour the fifth anniversary of the foundation of Kolowrátek.
Partners of the fund and members of the Board of Directors did not miss out.
The gala evening was opened by JUDr. Dominika Kolowrat-Krakowská, chairwoman of the board. She was accompanied on stage by her children Francesca and Maxmilian, co-founders of the fund.
Mrs. Kolowrat-Krakowská announced that the Kolowrátek Endowment Fund, which she founded together with her children in the year that earl František Kolowrat-Krakowský would have celebrated his sixty-fifth birthday, is already in its fifth year of helping those in need.
Among other things she described the main goals and objectives of the fund and the reason for its establishment:
„We have supported many young, talented artists, who otherwise would find it incredibly difficult to finance their further education and creative projects.
We have done everything possible to improve the fate of children going through very difficult times and to enable them to live a full and happy life. (Off the top of my head, , I would mention saving Jaroušek Sadovský´s hand, our long-term support of the Young Prague Musical festival or our Children´s home in Tachov.)“
Mrs. Kolowrat-Krakowská also thanked all those who support their fund through their actions and their generosity:
„And I would gratefully add that our work would not be possible without your constant and generous help, for which I sincerely thank you. I do strongly believe that we will retain your favour in the future.“
Mrs. Kolowrat–Krakowská did not forget to mention those, who are sadly no longer with us, but are a great inspiration to her and to us
„And before I wish you a wonderful musical experience, I would like to mention that this year is the 18th anniversary of the death of Earl Jindřich Kolowrat–Krakowský and also the 10th anniversary of the death of his son, a precious and noble man, František Tomáš Kolowrat–Krakowský. Their selfless acts of kindness to the needy was the main idea behind the founding of the Kolowrátek Endowment Fund.“
After a celebratory opening, about one hundred prominent guests listened to the captivating tones of cellist Jiří Bárta, who performed the Suite No.3 by Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Japanese opera singer Yukiko Šrejmová Kinjo, now soloist of the National Theatre, performed next accompanied by pianist Norbert Heller. She sang a selection of Biblical songs and Gypsy melodies by Antonín Dvořák. Her voice masterfully dominated the space of St. Vavřinec church and confirmed to all people involved that they were witnessing an extraordinary artistic experience.
The last instrumental performance on the agenda was a violin virtuoso by Jan Talich, who, with masterful precision and heartfelt dynamics, played Sonatina in G major, op. 100, again by Antonín Dvořák.
The concert was drawing to an end, but that did not mean an end to the evening. After an hour filled with singing, violin, cello and piano, around one hundred guests were treated to the official release of Jiří Bárta and Norbert Heller´s CD. „I am grateful to all artists, who performed for no fee. Thanks to their and your generosity, we will now be able to support the specific fate of talented children or to make life easier for the disadvantaged ones through the Kolowrátek Endowment Fund,“ said Dominika Kolowrat–Krakowská as she thanked the performers. She, together with her daughter Francesca, then assumed the pleasant duty of christening the newly released album of Franz Schubert and Johann Nepomuk Hummel´s compositions.
The album was for sale on the spot for 500 CZK, with proceeds going to supporting the activities of Kolowrátek . Forty albums were bought immediately after after the concert.
Guests were able to stay and enjoy the wonderful evening and after such a delightful cultural experience, enjoy a little refreshment. They had a unique opportunity to thank the performers personally, buy the new album, share their experience and impressions and wish each other and Kolowrátek a successful year 2014 full of joy.
