MUSICAL CV – ARNOLD SMRTKA

Violinist & Artistic Director of the Nymburk Chamber Orchestra

Born: 31 of May 1960, Prague, Czech Republic

Arnold Smrtka began playing the violin at the age of four. At the age of five, he enrolled in what was then known as the People's School of Arts, where he received his first formal musical education.

He was later admitted to the Prague Conservatory, where he studied violin from 1975 to 1981.

While still a student at the conservatory, Arnold performed with the Czechoslovak Chamber Orchestra. His musical career enabled him to travel extensively from an early age, performing in countries including Germany, Mexico and Italy.

After completing his conservatory studies, he joined the Army Artistic Ensemble. Following the completion of his compulsory military service, he remained with the ensemble as a civilian employee, serving as Concertmaster for approximately ten years.

He subsequently became a freelance musician and performed with prestigious orchestras and ensembles. His professional career has taken him to many countries around the world, including the United States and Japan.

After more than two decades of professional performing experience, Arnold has also devoted himself to teaching. For the past 23 years, he has shared his extensive experience as a violin teacher at the Elementary School of Arts in Nymburk. He also serves as the Artistic Director of the Nymburk Chamber Orchestra.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE – CEREMONIAL AND FUNERAL MUSIC

An important and rather unique chapter of Arnold Smrtka's musical career was his long-term experience performing ceremonial music at the Strašnice Crematorium in Prague.

He recalls this period with characteristic humour, often joking that he cannot be blamed for his surname because he inherited it from his parents.

However, behind the humour lies a profound professional experience. Performing ceremonial music in a crematorium taught him a great deal about concentration, responsibility and the power of music.

The musicians performed in complete silence, often without knowing who was listening. Among the people who performed or appeared there were some of the most distinguished Czech artists of their generation. The venue therefore became an unexpected meeting place for outstanding musicians.

Arnold recalls that on numerous occasions the funeral of a prominent musician was attended by members of a philharmonic orchestra. In such situations, his colleagues were not only attending the ceremony – they were also listening very carefully to the music.

In his own words, ceremonial music should never be underestimated.

STATE FUNERALS AND EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES

Arnold also took part in state funerals, including the farewell ceremony for the wife of President Ludvík Svoboda.

Such occasions were accompanied by an exceptionally intense atmosphere and demanded an extremely high level of concentration and professionalism from every musician.

For Arnold, these experiences became an important part of his artistic career and contributed to his ability to perform with confidence and precision even under the most demanding circumstances.

CURRENT ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES

In recent years, Arnold Smrtka has increasingly performed together with the young and accomplished Czech pianist and composer Kristián Badarovský.

Their cooperation combines the experience of an established professional violinist with the energy and creativity of a younger generation of musicians.

Arnold is currently preparing the release of a CD featuring popular and well-known masterpieces of classical music, reflecting his long and rich artistic career.

ARTISTIC PROFILE

Violinist • Concertmaster • Teacher • Artistic Director • Chamber Musician

Arnold Smrtka represents a generation of Czech musicians whose careers combine decades of professional orchestral experience, international performing activity, teaching and a lasting commitment to classical music.