Viktorie Svihlikova

Viktorie Švihlíková was a renowned Czech pianist and harpsichordist, born on July 3, 1915, in Uman, Ukraine. She studied under prominent teachers such as Vilém Kurz in Prague, Isidor Philipp in Paris, and Carl Adolf Martienssen in Berlin. Švihlíková was celebrated for her virtuosic technique and extensive repertoire, which included significant works from the classical piano literature. She was also a dedicated advocate for early music, particularly through her work with the ensemble Ars Rediviva, which she co-founded with her husband, flutist Milan Munclinger. This ensemble played a pivotal role in reviving Baroque music in Czechoslovakia, recording numerous works by composers like J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi.

Švihlíková's contributions extended beyond performance; she was a respected pedagogue who taught at the Malmö Academy of Music and later in Vienna. Her innovative piano method was widely recognized, and she received several prestigious awards for her contributions to music, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Gratias Agit award in 2001. Her legacy includes numerous recordings and collaborations with notable musicians such as Bronisław Huberman and Jean-Pierre Rampal. Viktorie Švihlíková passed away on August 11, 2010, in Vienna.

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