Vlastimil Kobrle
I was born in Ústí nad Labem. My parents worked as university music educators at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University and, for 45 years, as choirmasters of the Ústí Children’s Choir, of which I was a member for ten years.
I studied at the Teplice Conservatory under Professor Jiřina Dlouhá and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (HAMU) under Professor Václav Snítil. During my studies, I was a member of the Talich Chamber Orchestra and the Suk Chamber Orchestra, where I later became concertmaster on Josef Suk’s recommendation.
With both ensembles, I performed in many successful concerts at music festivals in the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as on concert tours in Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Japan and China.
From 1995 to 1999, I regularly collaborated with Maestro Josef Suk, the Artistic Director of the Suk Chamber Orchestra. In 1997, I appeared as a soloist alongside Josef Suk and Ivan Ženatý in Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum. I have been a member of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra since 2000.
In 2008, I took over the position of Artistic Director of the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (FKO) from P. Prantl. The ensemble is made up of outstanding members of the Czech Philharmonic and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.
What instrument do I play?
Until last year, I played a master instrument made by K. B. Dvořák in 1895, which I inherited from my father. Last year, Czech Radio entrusted me with the use of a master instrument made in 2008 by the outstanding contemporary Czech violin maker J. B. Špidlen, which I currently play.
What was my childhood dream?
As a child, I liked the idea of becoming a long-distance bus driver. That dream has partly come true. I have travelled quite extensively by bus — I just do not drive one myself, and I am quite happy about that.
What do I enjoy?
I enjoy my work. I like going on trips around our country with my family or friends, as well as staying active by walking or running in the Krč Forest, not far from where I live. I also enjoy the excellent cooking of my beloved wife, a good Pilsner beer or a fine glass of wine in the company of friends.
