Vladimir Bukač

One of the most well known and respected Czech violists, he studied at the Conservatoire, at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany. He was quickly noticed during his studies and won several prizes, not only in the Czech Republic but also in international competitions. After obtaining his diplomas, Vladimir Bukač moved to Japan, where he was frequently engaged as a soloist and chamber musician, sharing his time and concerts between the violin and the viola. His playing as a violist attracted particular attention and enabled him to develop a highly fruitful aspect of his career. In 1993, he first became a violinist and later a violist with the very renowned Talich Quartet, still recognized as one of the greatest string quartets and a symbol of Czech music and musical art throughout the world, in Europe, Japan, North America, and South America. They recorded numerous albums and provided extensive teaching through master classes. From 2018 onward, he ended his activity with the Talich Quartet, allowing him to devote more time and energy to other projects.

As a soloist, Vladimir Bukač has performed on many prestigious stages in Europe, Israel, and Japan. He has also recorded several viola albums acclaimed by the press, as well as recordings for Czech Radio and the BBC. Several of his recordings were selected as Disc of the Month by music magazines and were enthusiastically praised by journals such as The Strad and Gramophone. In September 2010, he performed and recorded the world premiere of the three sonatas for viola and piano by Jindřich Feld. Vladimir Bukač is a highly sought after teacher. He teaches at the University of Music in Dresden, Germany, and regularly gives master classes, notably at the Royal Northern College of Music, at the Franco Czech Academy of Telč, and at the Prague Music Performance Institute and Festival. Alongside these activities, he is regularly invited to serve on juries of international competitions, including the Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition on the Isle of Man and the ARD competition. Vladimir Bukač plays a rare Italian instrument made by Santini Lavazza and G P Guadagnini in Milan in 1725.