Jela Spitkova was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1948, in Bratislava, Slovakia. She was the daughter of a famous Slovak composer, Jozef Podprocký, who was her first music teacher. Jela showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Her father recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Jela Spitkova's musical education began at the Bratislava Conservatory, where she studied piano under the guidance of Professor Lýdia Daxnerová. She later continued her studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where she studied under the renowned pianist and pedagogue, Ivan Moravec. Jela's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and she quickly became one of the most promising young pianists in Slovakia. Jela Spitkova's career as a concert pianist began in the early 1970s, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. She won several prestigious awards, including the first prize at the International Piano Competition in Senigallia, Italy, in 1972. This was followed by a series of successful performances in Europe and the United States, where she was praised for her technical skill and emotional depth. One of the highlights of Jela Spitkova's career was her performance at the Prague Spring International Music Festival in 1974. She played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Václav Neumann. The performance was a huge success, and Jela received a standing ovation from the audience. This performance cemented her reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. Jela Spitkova's repertoire was extensive, and she was known for her interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, and Schumann. She was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered several works by Slovak composers, including her father, Jozef Podprocký. Jela was a versatile musician who was equally at home playing solo recitals, chamber music, and concertos with orchestras. Jela Spitkova's career was cut short by a tragic accident in 1980. She was on tour in the United States when she fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a severe head injury. She was in a coma for several weeks and underwent extensive rehabilitation, but she was never able to return to her former level of performance. Despite this setback, Jela continued to teach and mentor young musicians, and she remained an important figure in the Slovak music community until her death in 2015. Jela Spitkova's legacy as a musician and teacher is significant. She inspired generations of young musicians with her passion for music and her dedication to excellence. Her recordings and performances continue to be admired by music lovers around the world, and her influence can be felt in the work of many contemporary pianists. Jela Spitkova will always be remembered as one of the greatest pianists of her generation and a true ambassador of Slovak music.

More....