VILÉM VLČEK
cello
Winner of the Jiří Bělohlávek Prize in 2023, Vilém Vlček captivates audiences with his blend of technical virtuosity and exceptional artistic sensitivity. In 2023, he won two of the most prestigious international competitions: the Krzysztof Penderecki International Cello Competition in Krakow and the Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition. He had previously distinguished himself by winning the Rahn Music Prize (2022) and the Bohuslav Martinů Competition (2021).
From his early days, he performed with several renowned orchestras, including the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, the Basel Chamber Orchestra, among others. He has performed under the baton of leading conductors such as Jiří Bělohlávek, Petr Altrichter, Jiří Rožeň, Jonathan Bloxham, and Nicolas Ellis.
Biography
As a soloist, he has performed in over 30 countries and appeared in iconic concert halls such as the Grand Hall of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Victoria Hall in Singapore, Tonhalle Zurich, Chamber Music Hall of the Berlin Philharmonie, and Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.
A passionate chamber musician, Vlček has enriched his experience as part of the Kukal Quartet, as an AKH scholarship recipient, and through masterclasses with Leonidas Kavakos, Steven Isserlis, Sergio Azzolini, Rainer Schmidt, Claudio Martínez Mehner, and Alfred Brendel.
The 2024/2025 season marks a new chapter in his career with debuts alongside the Zlín Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gorzów Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as reunions with the Sinfonietta Cracovia and the Clara-Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also set to release his first recording project: the complete works of Bohuslav Martinů for cello and piano, on the Supraphon label.
Born in 1998 in Prague, Vilém began playing the cello at the age of six under the instruction of Martin, followed by Mirko Škampa. After graduating high school in 2018, he joined the Musik-Akademie Basel, studying under Professor Danjulo Ishizaka. Additionally, he regularly participates in masterclasses led by Yo-Yo Ma, Frans Helmerson, Steven Isserlis, Peter Bruns, Richard Aaron, and Alisa Weilerstein. Since 2023, he has been an assistant to Danjulo Ishizaka at the Berlin University of the Arts.
He plays a cello made between 1830 and 1850 in the workshop of Lorenzo Ventapane in Naples.