Embassy Events
Embassy Hosts All-American Art And Music Evening -- With A Hand From Slovak Friends
September 19, 2008
Ambassador and Mrs. Vincent Obsitnik hosted a viewing of the Art in Embassies exhibit in their home and a concert of American songs on September 18. Some of the art works, handpicked by the Obsitniks, were chosen to represent places in the United States -- such as western Pennsylvania -- that hold cultural and historical significance for the Slovak immigrant population in America. Art restorer Lucia Gregorova was on hand to explain how she transformed two of these paintings from their original dark and dilapidated condition to a fresh appearance. Performing at the reception was singer Erin Heisel, who holds degrees from Butler University, IN, the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), and is an ABD candidate for the Ph.D. in Vocal Performance in New York University’s Steinhardt School. She and Slovak pianist Maros Klatik performed a wide range of American popular and classical music, including several spirituals of black Americans. One surprise of the evening: Ambassador Obsitnik performed a traditional Eastern Slovak song, "Ja parobek," and the audience joined in with enthusiasm.