(Credit: archive of Czech Radio)

On Feb. 16, 2025, Czech conductor Vladimír Válek died at the age of 89.

Born on Sept. 2, 1935 in Nový Jičín, the conductor played a pivotal role in transforming the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra into one of the most important orchestras in the Czech Republic. He led the orchestra for 33 years from 1985 to 2011.

As a conductor, Válek led the orchestra in a variety of genres from classical, and contemporary music, jazz, symphonic rock, and film. He also left a vital recording history with the orchestra.

Válek also led the Prague Symphony Orchestra for 10 years as Chief Conductor. Throughout his tenure, the maestro led the orchestra on tours to Europe and the United States.

Later on, Válek became the Principal Conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic from 2004 until 2007.

In 2000, the conductor was awarded the inaugural Hanno R. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award jointly with Vladimir Ashkenazy, Ken’ichiro Kobayashi, and Sir Charles Mackerras and was also named the Medal of Merit by President Václav Klaus in 2010.