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April 25, 2025: Holocaust survivor and folk musician Osi Sladek

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Ryan Warner/CPR News
Holocaust survivor and musician Oscar “Osi” Sladek at Temple Sinai in Denver on January 23, 2023.

In his memoir, Oscar "Osi" Sladek shares the unforgettable story of how he and his parents survived the Holocaust, while many other members of their extended family perished. "Escape to the Tatras" culminates in the story of Sladek's folk music career. In an interview with Ryan Warner, Sladek also reflects on faith and continued antisemitism. Sladek celebrated his 90th birthday this spring. This interview originally aired on January 27, 2023.

Courtesy of Oscar Sladek
Osi Sladek with his parents Irene and Bedrich on his Bar Mitzvah in 1948.
Courtesy of Oscar Sladek
Osi Sladek rehearsing in Denver circa 1960 with mother-in-law Clara Rosen (Denver Capitol Opera principal soprano), father Bedrich Staub Sladek (violinist), wife Selma Rosen Sladek (pianist).
Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza 2019
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Holocaust survivor Osi Sladek at the 2019 Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza.