Czech conductor František Macek is rapidly gaining international recognition for his vibrant musicianship and compelling artistry. Praised for his "energy and intensity" (Prague Spring Festival), Macek offers a fresh perspective on the classical repertoire.

 

Appointed Chief Conductor of the Slovak Sinfonietta beginning with the 2023-24 season, Macek first captivated Slovak audiences during his debut at the Central European Music Festival Allegretto Žilina in 2021, where he was awarded the festival's Main Prize, leading to a subsequent re-invitation. Prior to this, he gained acclaim by winning the NOSPR International Conducting Competition in Katowice, which secured him a position as Assistant Conductor with the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.

 

Since 2020, Macek has served as the Artistic Director of the international music festival Hudba v zahradách a zámku Kroměříž, held in the UNESCO-listed Gardens and Castle of Kroměříž. Under his leadership, the festival's artistic profile has significantly risen. In 2021, he made a successful debut at the prestigious Prague Spring Festival, conducting the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.

 

In the Czech Republic, Macek regularly collaborates with leading orchestras, including the Prague Symphony Orchestra, PKF – Prague Philharmonia, Brno Philharmonic, Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic, Czech Chamber Philharmonic Pardubice, and Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc.

 

His reputation has also extended internationally, with recent performances featuring the Orquesta de Valencia, Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier, Wiener Concert-Verein, Sinfonietta Cracovia, and Silesian Philharmonic Katowice. Macek's international career has included conducting esteemed ensembles such as the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Lucerne Festival Strings, Gstaad Festival Orchestra, and the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra during various engagements.

 

A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Macek’s versatile education encompasses orchestra and choir conducting, organ, and early music. His broad-ranging expertise and deep understanding of musical styles have established him as a conductor of remarkable interpretative depth. Macek has had the privilege of refining his craft under the mentorship of renowned conductors, notably his close relationship with Manfred Honeck, alongside distinguished figures such as Bernard Haitink, David Zinman, Robert Spano, and Daniele Gatti.