With stylistic flair
Petra Poláčková becomes new professor of guitar at the Weimar University of Music
The Department of Guitar at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar is strengthening its position with the addition of a versatile guitarist: Czech-born Petra Poláčková will take up the call to a professorship in guitar on 1 December 2024.
In addition to her successful artistic career, the musician, born in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm in 1985, has most recently taught at the Johann Joseph Conservatory in Graz, Austria and the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark.
‘She has great vitality, exemplary organisational and teamwork skills, and her talent and reputation in the guitar world precede her,’ says Department director Prof. Ricardo Gallén, clearly delighted. ’Petra Poláčková can switch from an antique instrument from the early 19th century to a modern guitar and play contemporary music with complete naturalness and stylistic flair. She is a great example for our students!’
The newly appointed guitarist is excited about her new field of activity. ‘In Weimar, I look forward to immersing myself in an environment that has stood for centuries for its creative and intellectual depth. The city breathes art and history and will certainly be an important source of inspiration for me, opening up new impulses and perspectives,’ says the 39-year-old.
‘I am particularly looking forward to working and exchanging ideas with my great colleagues. Their experience and knowledge will certainly help me to grow.’
Petra Poláčková also sees her professorship as an opportunity to pass on her experience and artistic vision to the next generation. ‘I see it as a great responsibility, especially at a time when we need teachers who can pass on their enthusiasm for music with love and creativity. In terms of pedagogy, promoting individual independence is close to my heart. In this context, the mental and physical health of the students is very important to me. Last but not least, I hope to encourage more women to study the guitar.’
Petra Poláčková received her first guitar lessons at the age of six from Bohuslav Faltus and Miroslava Pavelková, as well as from Prof. Zdeněk Dvořák at the Lounských Music School in Prague. From 2004 to 2010, she studied at the Pardubice Conservatory under Prof. Petr Saidl and taught guitar at the music schools in Hradec Králové and Choceň. She continued her studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz in the class of Prof. Paolo Pegoraro and completed her bachelor's and master's degree with distinction.
Petra Poláčková has already won 17 prizes at national and international guitar competitions and music festivals, including ten 1st prizes. In 2011, she was awarded the scholarship for talented students by the city of Graz. The following year, she played Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's guitar concerto at the final concert of the ‘International Week’ in the Stefaniensaal in Graz. She was also selected by the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz for the Ö1 talent exchange.
Numerous recordings and live concerts on Ö1, ORF Steiermark, Czech Television and Czech Radio Praha followed. She was also invited to concerts, masterclasses, jury work and conferences at the most important festivals and guitar festivals throughout Europe, Israel, Mexico, Australia, the USA and Chile.
For many years, she specialised in particular in the romantic guitar and the literature composed especially for this instrument. In recent years, her musical focus has been on early music. She also studied viola da gamba with Christoph Urbanetz and lute with Prof. David Bergmüller. In June 2020, her CD debut ‘Weiss’ was released, featuring music by the German lutenist Sylvius Leopold Weiss, recorded on a 9-string romantic guitar. Since 2010, she has been involved in the organisation of the Mikulov Guitar Festival (Czech Republic).
[15 November 2024]