I Cannot Imagine a Life Without Music…
STYLE
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Levkovou. Zahrajeme na konci listopadu
hudbu starých mistrů a představím se zase
jednou v roli varhaníka.
Máte do konce roku naplánováno
mnoho vystoupení? Kam byste fanoušky
klasické hudby nejraději pozval?
Poměrně dost. A to jsem myslel, že letošní
rok bude klidnější než ty předchozí. Je to
přesně naopak, což je ale ta lepší varian-
ta. Moc se těším na polské turné s Mo-
ravskou filharmonií Olomouc, se kterou
zahrajeme Dvořákův Klavírní koncert
g moll v několika polských městech (Kra-
kov, Katovice, Varšava, Bydhošť, Lublin
atd.), a také si zahraji na jejich zahajovacím
koncertě v Olomouci, který bude živě pře-
nášen ČRo Vltava 26. září. Dále připravuji
Griegův Klavírní koncert a moll v sezóně
Symfonického orchestru hlavního města
Prahy FOK 9. a 10. října s mým oblíbeným
dirigentem Petrem Altrichtrem. Mám také
několik komorních koncertů se sopranist-
kou Simonou Šaturovou (festivaly Janáček
Brno, Lípa Musica) a s violoncellistou Vác-
lavem Petrem nás čeká 8. prosince recitál
v Rudolfinu. Podzim bude náročný, ale
krásný!
Děkuji za rozhovor.
I Cannot Imagine a Life
Without Music…
Marek Kozák is a star of the Czech music scene. This spectacular pianist and organist has been
dazzling audiences not only all across Czechia, but on the internaonal scene as well. He talked
about his experience with and love for music and menoned some standout performances. He also
revealed some of his insight into how the two instruments he plays compliment each other. Finally,
he also recounted moments from presgious compeons, discussed plans for his upcoming
concerts and described his relaonship to the St. Wenceslas Music Fesval, where he will, once
again, perform this year as part of its Music Journeys cycle.
Not only are you a pianist, you are
also an organist. What is the interplay
between these instruments in your
musical expression?
Yes, I studied both of those fields
at Janáček Conservatory in Ostrava. It
is quite an unusual combination, even
though both instruments have keys. To
a layman, the instruments might seem
very similar, however the opposite is true.
There are certain aspects in which these
instruments stand in direct contrast with
each other. Nonetheless, I can say that over
the years I have learned many important
lessons through the study of both of these
instruments. When playing the piano, one
needs to place extra focus on sonic details
and the relationship between tones. On
the other hand, organs have indexes that
create a sound that is altered through
switching between them. Not to mention
the fact that organs have an extra line
of notes to be played with your legs. It is
a more challenging polyphonic experience.
You have been successful at many
international events. Is there one that
specifically stands out for you?
When it comes to competitions, not only
do I enjoy whenever I can reap some
success, but I also appreciate any concert
invitations or interesting feedback from
the judges. I probably received most
offers after the prestigious Prague Spring
contest in 2016. If I am to mention
something on the international scale, then
the Géza Anda competition in Zurich
in 2021. The prizes for the laureates
of the three main awards included 3 years
of management.
You are going to perform at this year’s
St. Wenceslas Music Festival.
What significance does this event have
to you, and what have you prepared
for the audience this year?
The St. Wenceslas Music Festival is
unique in that it is one of only a few that
takes place in the churches of my dear
Moravian-Silesian region. I had the honor
of performing a solo piano recital
at the festival back in 2020, and I make
regular appearances as part of a trio with
Igor Františák and, this year, Karolína
Levková. We will be performing pieces
by the old masters, and I will once again
take up the role of an organist.
What does your concert schedule look
like for the rest of this year? Would you
like to extend an invitation to some
of the classical music enthusiasts out
there?
I actually have a pretty packed schedule,
even though I thought this year might
be more relaxing than the previous
ones. Though I am busy now, I believe
it is for the better. I am very excited
for the Polish tour with the Olomouc
Moravian Philharmonic. Together we
will perform Dvořák’s Piano Concerto in
G minor in many Polish cities (Krakow,
Katowice, Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Lublin,
etc.). I will also take part in their opening
concert in Olomouc, which will be
broadcasted through ČRo Vltava on
the 26th of September. I am also working
with my favorite conductor, Petr Altrichter,
on Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor
for the Prague Symphonic Orchestra
season on the 9th and 10th of September.
We also have a couple chamber concerts
with the soprano singer Simona Šaturová
(Janáček Brno and Lípa Musica festivals)
and I have a recital in Rudolfinum with
cellist Václav Petr on the 8th of December.
Fall will be busy, but definitely great!
Thank you for the interview.
Text: redakce
Foto: Marek Kozák