World-renowned Czech conductor Libor Pešek has died, aged 89

24 October 2022, 11:46

The Prague-born conductor spent 10 years at the helm of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and championed music from his home country all across the world.

Esteemed Czech conductor Libor Pešek died on Sunday 23 October, at the age of 89, his management has confirmed.

Pešek was principal conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) from 1987 to 1997, before becoming conductor laureate until his death in 2022.

Born in the Czech capital, Prague, on 22 June 1933, Pešek studied at the city’s Academy of Performing Arts under eminent Czech musicians Václav Smetáček and Karel Ančerl. Throughout his studies, he learned to conduct in addition to playing piano, cello and trombone.

After leaving the Academy, he embarked on what would grow to be an impressive conducting career. His first steps onto the conductor’s podium were at the Plzeň and Prague Operas, before founding the Prague Chamber Harmony in 1958, where he remained as director until 1964.

Read more: Royal Opera House names Czech conductor, Jakub Hrůša as new Music Director

Josef Suk "Serenade in E-flat Major" Libor Pesek

In 1981, Pešek took up the post of chief conductor at the Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava, before following in the footsteps of both his tutors by joining the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

From 1982 to 1990, he was conductor-in residence at the Czech Philharmonic, simultaneously with his position at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in the UK. Under his direction, the orchestra was said to be “the best Czech Orchestra this side of Prague”, going on to be the first international orchestra to open the Prague Spring Festival in 1993.

Pešek left his post at the RLPO in 1997, although he would remain as conductor laureate for a further 25 years. He later led the Czech National Symphony Orchestra as chief conductor, from 2007 before stepping down at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Throughout a truly impressive international career, Pešek brought Czech music with him wherever he went, from Wales to Gran Canaria. In particular, he championed the music of Josef Suk and Vítězslav Novák, as well as Dvořák and Janáček, bringing his home country’s brilliant composers to the ears of many.

The RLPO’s Artistic Planning Director, Sandra Parr, shared her memories of Pešek: “His philosophy for life was basically to enjoy it and share that enjoyment with friends. He addressed everyone as colleague in a most warm, friendly way that everyone who met him liked him immediately. A humble man who adored his dogs and Land Rovers, and since retiring from conducting at the age of 85, grew closer to nature more each year.

“The twinkle in his eye, his generous friendship and heartfelt music making will be missed by thousands – especially his friends back in Liverpool. It was an honour to have met and worked closely with our colleague and we send our condolences to all his family and friends in Prague.”

Pešek leaves behind his partner, Jarmila, his son, Philip, and a brilliant musical legacy.