LIBOR NOVACEK piano
Libor Novacek is establishing a reputation as one of the leading young pianists of his generation. Winner in 2005 of the Landor Records competition, which led to a long-term recording relationship with Landor, his first two CDs were released in 2006 to outstanding reviews in the music press including the BBC Music Magazine, International Record Review, and Editor's Choice in Gramophone Music Magazine for his Liszt CD featuring Annees de Pelerinage: Italie and Mephisto Waltz No.1 . In October 2007, this same CD was awarded the 'Diplom d'Honneur' by the prestigious Ferenc Liszt Society in Budapest. Already acclaimed as a formidable Liszt interpreter, he has been compared to the great maestros, such as Arrau and Kempff and his music described as one of 'exceptional poetic verve and inwardness'.
Amongst his plans for this season are two further discs for Landor featuring works by Brahms and Liszt; recitals in Paris, Prague, Brno, Budapest, South Africa, and further performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, European Union Chamber Orchestra and the Wihan Quartet, as well as numerous recitals throughout the UK and Spain. In June 2008 he will return to the Wigmore Hall, where he now performs regularly.
Over the last year Libor has appeared at major festivals and venues in the UK including the Wigmore Hall, and the Brighton, Ryedale, North Aldeborough, Chester and 3 Choirs Festivals. As a soloist he made his debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Garry Walker, appeared at the Barbican with the Prague Philharmonia for the Mostly Mozart Festival and returned to perform Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Further afield he has recorded for Czech Radio and given several masterclasses and concerts in India, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Since 1994 Libor's performances as soloist and with orchestras have taken him to the USA, Mexico, South America, Spain, France and Germany. He has worked regularly with the Czechoslovak Chamber Orchestra and performed with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, Prague Chamber Philharmony, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmony, Sudwestfalische Symphony Orchestra, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, English Sinfonia, and the European Union Chamber Orchestra.
Born in Prague, Libor studied with Professor Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, graduating in 2004 with the highest awards. In the same year, Libor was selected for representation by YCAT. A top prize-winner at numerous international competitions, Libor won 4th Prize at the AXA Dublin International Piano Competition in 2006.
June 2008
