Thomas Bijok has

come home — to perform and to help out others who are just beginning to learn about taking the stage.

Bijok now lives in Prague, where he studies at the Academy of Performing Arts.

He’s partnering with Daniela O’Fee on piano for the Sept. 26 show, Folk, Dance and Romance.

Bijok said he’s doing the show because “Kamloops has produced a lot of professional musicians and it’s nice to give back to make sure that others in the future get a chance to have their artistic talents recognized.”

Proceeds will be used to support participants in the Kamloops Festival of the Arts, which runs from Feb. 21 to March 21, with one week off for the annual school spring break.

Bijok said although his show is not in response to recent provincial government cuts to the arts, that political decision strengthened his resolve to perform in Kamloops.

He’s hoping to foster more art in Kamloops because, as he sees it, the arts are not something seen as a way to immediately make a profit and are often overlooked.

In his mind, there needs to be as much support from the community for the arts as there is for sports.

“If the community pulls together, they can make a difference.”

Bijok has always had music coursing through his veins.

He has been playing piano since he was six and violin since 11.

He began to train in singing at age 18, but started taking it seriously five years ago, when he attended the University of British Columbia.

While there — and translating an opera students at the university would be performing in Czechoslovakia — Bijok asked the Academy of Performing arts in Prague for the chance to audition.

He was admitted to the school 36 hours later.

That was three years ago —and he has been studying there ever since.

Bijok has taken advantage of the school’s summer break to come home, spend time with family and perform.

“It’s hard to do this sort of thing,” he said, “because lovers of classical music are hiding in the cracks of the walls, pretending to not like it.”

With music from central Europe on his set list, Bijok said people should expect a fiery show.

“It’s not just quiet, soft background music. It’s passionate. The songs are about things from people’s lives.”

The partnership with O’Fee is a natural, Bijok said.

“She is an amazing pianist. I knew of her while I was growing up but had minimal interactions with her.

“I really hadn’t seen her in years.”

While trying to put the show together, Bijok was having trouble finding a pianist willing to take on such a difficult program.

“When someone mentioned her, she flew back into my head and I decided I had to call her. She immediately said she would love to do it.

“She’s bringing me to new depths in the music.”

Bijok said the musical partnership they have is more than he feels he’s capable of establishing with just anyone.

“They just don’t take it seriously enough, but she [O’Fee] always makes sure everything is working. I feel we are supporting each other for the sake of the art.”

The show takes place on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Douglas Street.

For tickets, call 250-579-8596.

Tickets are also available through Bohemia Bakery on Wednesday at the Kamloops Farmers’ Market and at Kamloops Florist, 249 Seymour St.