Leading Czech Pianist Ivo Kahánek Became Director of the Prague Conservatory

The appointment decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the candidature. The founder – the Prague City Council – took into account factors such as international reputation, artistic and pedagogical experience and the institution's development concept. The competition committee, which included representatives of the Department of Education, the Czech School Inspectorate, the Pedagogical and Psychological Counselling Centre, the Municipality and representatives of the Prague Conservatoire, selected the five most suitable candidates from among the fourteen applicants. On the basis of this selection, the Prague City Council made the final decision.

"It is a great honour for me to take over the leadership of an institution that has shaped generations of outstanding musicians. My goal is to combine the rich tradition of the Conservatoire with modern approaches to music education and to strengthen its position on the international stage," said Ivo Kahánek. "The main vision is to strengthen the Prague Conservatoire as a centre of professional music education and a bridge between primary art schools and the university, where the main part of the top educational work needs to be done, not only for future performers but also for young teachers. In my daily work, I am also concerned that the Prague Conservatory should have the friendly and creative atmosphere and freedom necessary for the development of any art. I perceive the opportunity to lead this renowned institution as a great challenge and I will try to put all the experience I have gained as a performer and teacher into its fulfilment."

Ivo Kahánek is a graduate of the Janáček Conservatory in Ostrava and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. He enriched his career by studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. During his artistic career he has performed with the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle. He is the recipient of the prestigious BBC Music Magazine Award and specialises in the performance of Czech music, particularly works by Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček and Bohuslav Martinů.

Among Ivo Kahánek's successful students are Matouš Zukal, laureate of the Prague Spring International Music Competition, pianist and composer Tomáš Kačo and other promising pianists Pavol Praženica and Nora Lubbadová.

"We believe that Mr Kahánek will bring not only his artistic experience to the Conservatoire's management, but also a modern vision for the development of music education that will appeal to young talents and strengthen international cooperation," said Education Councillor Antonín Klecanda.

It is a modern and proven trend that art educational institutions are led by active artists who bring not only their professional knowledge but also current experience from artistic practice to their teaching. This model connects pedagogical activities with a lively artistic environment, allowing students to gain inspiration and practical skills directly from renowned artists.

For example, the British double bassist and academic Jonathan Vaughan has been the Rector of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London since 2022, or concert pianist Massimiliano Baggio is the Director of the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, and harpsichordist and organist Barbara Maria Willi has successfully held the Chair of Organ and Historical Performance at the Faculty of Music of the JAMU in Brno since 2014 and has been its Dean since 2020.

The Prague Conservatoire was founded in 1808 and is one of the oldest music schools in Europe. Its graduates include prominent personalities of Czech and international music.