Zdeněk Mácal, a renowned Czech conductor, has passed away at the age of 86. The news of his death was announced by his family’s lawyer, Filip Wágner.
Mácal was born on January 8, 1936, in Brno, Czech Republic. He first gained recognition in the mid-1960s at conducting competitions in Besançon, France, and New York. He led the Moravian Philharmonic in Olomouc and had successful collaborations with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic.
However, his life took a turn after the August occupation in 1968, when he decided to emigrate. For almost 30 years, he was “lost” to the Czech music scene due to the regime’s restrictions. He returned to his homeland as an artist in 1996, and his comeback performance at the Prague Spring Festival was a sensation. Mácal aimed to inspire the Czech Philharmonic with his enthusiasm and dedication. He became the chief conductor of the prestigious orchestra in 2003 but unexpectedly resigned in September 2007, stating that he often felt like a guest rather than a leader in the Czech Philharmonic.
Despite his premature departure, Mácal still accomplished some of his plans. He was praised for his meticulous work with the orchestra, which was compared to the great Czech conductors Václav Talich and Karel Ančerl. He aimed to bring a new sound and stability to the Czech Philharmonic, and his efforts were recognized both domestically and internationally. Mácal also renewed his collaboration with the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK and focused on the works of Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvořák, and Leoš Janáček.
Mácal inherited his musical talents from his father, who was a jazz musician. He began pursuing his dream of conducting at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno. His breakthrough came in the 1960s, and he went on to lead orchestras in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. He served as the music director of the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra and the chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From 1993 to 2002, he played a significant role in the artistic development of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, recording almost all of Dvořák’s symphonic works with them.
Mácal’s career was filled with achievements and recognition, and he will be remembered as a talented and passionate conductor. His love for music and dedication to his craft remained unwavering throughout his life. Despite the challenges he faced, he always held the Czech Philharmonic in high regard and continued to support and collaborate with them. Zdeněk Mácal leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.Zdeněk Mácal, a renowned Czech conductor, has passed away at the age of 86. The news of his death was announced by his family’s lawyer, Filip Wágner.
Mácal was born on January 8, 1936, in Brno, Czech Republic. He first gained recognition in the mid-1960s at conducting competitions in Besançon, France, and New York. He led the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra in Olomouc and had successful collaborations with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic.
However, his life took a turn after the August occupation in 1968, when he disagreed with the entry of the Warsaw Pact’s occupying forces and decided to emigrate. For almost 30 years, he was “lost” to the Czech music scene due to the regime’s taboo.
He returned to his homeland as an artist in 1996. His comeback at the Prague Spring festival, where he stood before the conductor’s podium at the Rudolfinum, was a sensation. With his enthusiasm and dedication, he aimed to impress the Czech Philharmonic (ČF). He became the chief conductor of the prestigious Czech orchestra in 2003. However, unexpectedly, he resigned from his position in September 2007. Mácal later stated that he often felt like a guest rather than a leader in the ČF. He also mentioned that there were too many people involved in decision-making.
Despite his premature departure, Mácal still managed to accomplish some of his plans. In the beginning, both at home and abroad, there was talk of a “rebirth” of the philharmonic, as the orchestra became more stable, and their collective effort was evident in the new sound of the ensemble. Mácal never lost his connection to the orchestra, stating, “In my personal opinion, the Czech Philharmonic always plays well with me.” He continued to believe that the ČF was a fantastic orchestra with immense potential. He frequently returned to work with the philharmonic and also renewed his collaboration with the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK. In his conducting career, he focused on the works of Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvořák, and was an admirer of Leoš Janáček’s compositions.
Mácal inherited his musical genes from his father, a jazz musician from Brno. He played in his father’s jazz band and even conducted at the age of fifteen. He learned improvisation and craftsmanship from his time in the band, which he applied to his work with orchestras. He began fulfilling his lifelong dream of conducting at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno. He gained significant recognition at conducting competitions in Besançon, France, and New York in the mid-1960s. He led the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra in Olomouc and had successful collaborations with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the ČF.
After the August occupation in 1968, Mácal disagreed with the entry of the Warsaw Pact’s occupying forces and decided to emigrate. He left for West Germany with two suitcases, his wife, and their eight-year-old daughter. For almost 30 years, he was “lost” to the Czech music scene due to the regime’s taboo. Despite having to start over, he strived to make music as he did before, stating that luck and fate were on his side. After leaving his homeland, he received an invitation to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic, which kickstarted his successful career in Germany. The invitation provided him with financial security and brought further artistic opportunities.
Zdeněk Mácal’s contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered, and his legacy as a talented conductor will continue to inspire future generations.
How did Zdeněk Mácal contribute to the artistic development of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra during his tenure as music director
Ed to collaborate with the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK and focused on the works of composers like Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvořák, and Leoš Janáček.
Mácal’s musical talents were inherited from his father, who was a jazz musician. He pursued his dream of conducting at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno and achieved breakthrough success in the 1960s. He went on to lead orchestras in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. He served as the music director of the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra and the chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From 1993 to 2002, he played a significant role in the artistic development of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, recording almost all of Dvořák’s symphonic works with them.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mácal received numerous accolades and recognition. He will be remembered as a talented and passionate conductor who had an unwavering love for music and dedication to his craft. Despite the challenges he faced, he always held the Czech Philharmonic in high regard and continued to support and collaborate with them. Zdeněk Mácal leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.
Zdeněk Mácal’s passion and talent for conducting will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come. His legacy will forever be remembered and cherished in the world of classical music.