Libor Pešek

A Czech maestro renowned for his distinctive approach to symphonic music by composers from his native land, Libor Pešek maintained an extensive discography that placed him on hundreds of releases across decades of activity.

Born into a family with no musical background in Prague in 1933, he benefited from his mother’s early support, which secured piano instruction during childhood. As an adolescent he assembled a jazz group alongside schoolmates even as his private lessons in classical repertoire persisted. Enrollment at Prague’s Academy of Musical Arts followed, where his nominal instructors included Karel Ančerl and Václav Smetáček; Pešek later stated that the absence of these professors rendered him largely self-taught. To deepen his understanding of orchestral textures, he acquired proficiency on both cello and trombone. While still enrolled, he served as rehearsal director for the ballet troupe in Plzeň and subsequently at the Prague National Theater. Upon completing his studies he established the wind ensemble Prague Chamber Harmony, which he led, and simultaneously directed the Sebastian Orchestra in Prague. These engagements quickly elevated his profile, resulting in leadership posts with larger ensembles. Between 1970 and 1977 he headed the Czech Chamber Orchestra and concurrently collaborated with the Frysk Orkester in the Netherlands. In 1980 he assumed the podium of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra for two seasons; two years later he became conductor-in-residence with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, a relationship that continued through 1990 and encompassed tours across Japan, North America, and Europe.

The year 1987 marked the beginning of a decade-long tenure as principal conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, during which he also held the title of principal guest conductor with the Czech Philharmonic. A 1992 American tour and its accompanying recordings brought the Liverpool ensemble worldwide attention. While based in that city he abandoned smoking, adopted a vegetarian diet, and began practicing Buddhism. Seeking a lighter schedule, he relinquished the Liverpool post in 1997 yet was named conductor laureate for life. He maintained a selective calendar that included his appointment in 2007 as chief conductor of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. His last appearance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic occurred in 2013 during a concert honoring his eightieth birthday. Following full retirement in 2019, Pešek devoted his remaining time to nature and his cherished dogs until his death in a Prague hospital on October 23, 2022, at the age of eighty-nine.