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Our 2008--2009
Past Seasons: |
The Panocha String Quartet
In 1976 the Panocha Quartet was awarded the Bordeaux Gold medal and in 1982 received a Supraphon Gold disc for its recording work. In 1983 it received the Grand Prix from the Academy Charles Cross in Paris for its recording of Martinu's Quartets Nos. 4 and 6. In 1995, the Quartet received a Classical Award in Cannes for its recording of Dvorak's "Cypresses" and "Slavonic" Quartet, Op. 51. The Panocha Quartet follows in the great Czech string quartet tradition, founded by the Ceske (Bohemian) Quartet and continued by the Smetana, Janacek and Vlach Quartets. Particular emphasis is placed on Czech music, especially the works of Smetana, Dvorak, Janacek and Martinu. Violinist Jiri Panocha was born in 1950 and studied violin at the Prague Conservatory under Josef Micka. At the Prague Academy of Music he studied with Jiri Novak, first violinist of the Smetana Quartet. Violinist Pavel Zejfart was born in 1952 and studied violin at the Prague Conservatory under Josef Micka and at the Prague Academy of Music with Nora Grumlikova. Violist Miroslav Sehnoutka was born in 1952 and studied viola under Milan Skampa, the violist of the Smetana Quartet, at the Prague Academy of Music. Cellist Jaroslav Kulhan was born at 1950 and studied cello at the Prague Academy of Music under Josef Chuchro, cellist of the Suk Trio. |
The Panocha Quartet was formed in 1968, while its members were still students
at the Prague Conservatory. The quartet was named as laureate of the 1975
Prague Spring International String Quartet Competition and has gone on to
international recognition, making regular visits to the United States, Canada
and Great Britain, as well as performing in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel,
Mexico and elsewhere. Major international festivals appearances include Edinburgh,
Salzburg, Prague, Menton, Dubrovnik, Tel Aviv, Kuhmo, the Canary Islands, Mondsee
and Ittingen. Members of the quartet teach regularly at the Kusatsu International
Music Academy in Japan, and have also participated in Yale University's Summer School
of Music and Art in Norfolk, CT.