Czech cellist to perform in Hiroshima and Nagasaki this summer
Apr. 27, 2010
by Sakiko Masuda, Staff Writer
Vladan Kočí, 46, a cellist who was imprisoned due to his refusal to serve in the military in the days of Czechoslovakia, plans to hold concerts with his family in Hiroshima and Nagasaki this summer to appeal for peace and the preciousness of life.
Mr. Kočí is now a professor at the Prague Conservatory. In the 1980s, he was thrown into prison when he refused military service, arguing that "as a musician he could not aim a gun at other human beings." In gratitude for the support he received from international human rights groups and other organizations which helped win his release, he began performing in various countries. In Japan as well, he has been performing at hospitals and holding charity concerts since 2000.
Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, 67, a resident of Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture who has served as a supporter for Mr. Kočí's musical performances in Japan, suggested the idea of holding concerts in the A-bombed cities to appeal for the importance of protecting life. The Hiroshima executive committee has been established, for which Shinichiro Kurose, the chancellor and chair of the board of trustees of Hiroshima Jogakuin, serves as a joint representative, to prepare for the concerts. Mr. Kurose commented, "As symbolized by the fact that the Atomic Bomb Dome was designed by a Czech architect, Hiroshima has strong ties with the Czech Republic. It's significant that the message of the preciousness of peace will be disseminated from Hiroshima."
The concerts in Hiroshima will be held near the A-bomb Dome and at Gaines Hall located at Hiroshima Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, as well as at nursing homes for A-bomb survivors in the city, around the end of July.
Four people in all -- Mr. Kočí and his wife and children -- will perform Bach's "Air on the G String" and other pieces on the theme of peace, playing cellos and the violin. Any proceeds from the concerts will be donated for the preservation of the A-bomb Dome.
(Originally published on April 27, 2010)
Vladan Kočí, 46, a cellist who was imprisoned due to his refusal to serve in the military in the days of Czechoslovakia, plans to hold concerts with his family in Hiroshima and Nagasaki this summer to appeal for peace and the preciousness of life.
Mr. Kočí is now a professor at the Prague Conservatory. In the 1980s, he was thrown into prison when he refused military service, arguing that "as a musician he could not aim a gun at other human beings." In gratitude for the support he received from international human rights groups and other organizations which helped win his release, he began performing in various countries. In Japan as well, he has been performing at hospitals and holding charity concerts since 2000.
Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, 67, a resident of Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture who has served as a supporter for Mr. Kočí's musical performances in Japan, suggested the idea of holding concerts in the A-bombed cities to appeal for the importance of protecting life. The Hiroshima executive committee has been established, for which Shinichiro Kurose, the chancellor and chair of the board of trustees of Hiroshima Jogakuin, serves as a joint representative, to prepare for the concerts. Mr. Kurose commented, "As symbolized by the fact that the Atomic Bomb Dome was designed by a Czech architect, Hiroshima has strong ties with the Czech Republic. It's significant that the message of the preciousness of peace will be disseminated from Hiroshima."
The concerts in Hiroshima will be held near the A-bomb Dome and at Gaines Hall located at Hiroshima Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, as well as at nursing homes for A-bomb survivors in the city, around the end of July.
Four people in all -- Mr. Kočí and his wife and children -- will perform Bach's "Air on the G String" and other pieces on the theme of peace, playing cellos and the violin. Any proceeds from the concerts will be donated for the preservation of the A-bomb Dome.
(Originally published on April 27, 2010)
