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biography

A distinguished performing career that has included recitals and recordings heard across the globe, pianist Antonin Kubalek is an artist that fosters a special communication each time he brings music to life. Active in performance, in celebration of Mozart’s 250th anniversary, this illustrious pianist will perform the complete Sonata Cycle in four recitals in Edmonton and select venues throughout the Czech Republic. The Toronto Star wrote "Here was the essence of subtlety and refinement with those rare glimpses into the inner message of music." France's prestigous publication - Le Monde de la Musique said "His irreproachable technique never overshadows the significance of the music - we deal here with a heart speaking to another heart." Music Magazine (Canada) stated "The performance is one of profound maturity and confidence, and deserves to be heard many times over."

Since arriving in Canada in 1968, Mr. Kubalek quickly re-established his career performing in solo concerts, with major orchestras, and in radio and television broadcasts with CBC. Glenn Gould made a unique contribution to this Canadian artist's career. Gould's only foray into the role of "producer" was spirited by Kubalek's playing. The Second Piano Sonata by Korngold, recently re-released on CD by Citadel Records, was the fruit of this singular musical union.

Mr. Kubalek is a best-selling international recording artist, with over a dozen CDs and two dozen LPs titles to his credit. His award-winning CD recordings on the Dorian label have won him extraordinary praise in such publications as the American Record Guide, Fanfare Magazine, CD Review, & Gramophone Magazine. He has twice been nominated with the highest recording honour in Canada: the JUNO Award. The depth and breadth of his repertoire ranges from Mozart to Brahms, to the most challenging contemporary composers. Canadian contemporary music is impressively and thoroughly represented by Kubalek's numerous premiers and recordings - many of which are commissioned works. This present season will see Mr. Kubalek record another complete Czech disc. Equally at home with chamber repertoire, his recordings also include the Dvorak's Piano Quintets with the Lafayette String Quartet and earlier recordings with the likes of the Vaghy Quartet.

This Czech-born pianist, Antonin Kubalek, is a respected educator and is presently on the faculty of The Royal Conservatory of Music and the Faculty of Music - University of Toronto with associations with York University, the Prague Conservatory and the Prague Academy. He is often invited to colleges and universities throughout North America. Mr. Kubalek also serves as Artistic Advisor and instructor to a music festival that bears his name. This summer will see the 3rd Annual - Antonin Kubalek International Piano Program in the Czech Republic. Antonin Kubalek is a recipient of the UNESCO award for life-long commitment to both the international promotion and performance of Czech repertoire and his contribution to the definition of musical beauty.


-June 2006-
 

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