Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Vera Lejskova was a Czech classical pianist who was born on August 22, 1929, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She was the daughter of a prominent Czech composer, Alois Hába, who was known for his microtonal music. Her father's influence played a significant role in her musical upbringing, and she began playing the piano at a young age. Lejskova's talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly became a rising star in the Czech music scene. She studied at the Prague Conservatory, where she was a student of František Maxián and Václav Štěpán. She also studied with the renowned pianist Rudolf Firkušný, who was a close friend of her father. In 1950, Lejskova won first prize at the Prague Spring International Music Festival, which launched her career as a concert pianist. She went on to perform extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, earning critical acclaim for her virtuosic performances and sensitive interpretations of classical repertoire. One of Lejskova's most notable performances was her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1959. She performed a program of works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy, which was met with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times praised her "brilliant technique and musical sensitivity," and she quickly became a sought-after performer in the United States. Lejskova also had a successful recording career, releasing numerous albums of solo piano works and chamber music. She recorded for several major labels, including Supraphon, Deutsche Grammophon, and Philips, and her recordings received widespread critical acclaim. Throughout her career, Lejskova was known for her dedication to promoting the music of her native Czech Republic. She frequently performed works by Czech composers, including her father, Alois Hába, and was a champion of contemporary Czech music. In recognition of her contributions to the Czech music scene, Lejskova was awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, one of the highest honors in the Czech Republic. She was also awarded the Medal of Merit by the Czech Ministry of Culture and was named an Honorary Citizen of Prague. Lejskova continued to perform and record well into her later years, and she remained an active advocate for classical music until her death on December 30, 2015, at the age of 86. Her legacy as a virtuosic pianist and champion of Czech music continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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