Michal Kanka

Michal Kaňka is a **renowned Czech cellist** born in Prague in 1960 who has established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after musicians. He began studying cello at age seven and went on to study at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts under Professor Josef Chuchro, where he also participated in the prestigious G. Piatigorsky Seminars in Los Angeles. His early career was marked by major competition victories, including the grand prize at the Czechoslovak National Competition in 1981, first prize at the Prague Spring Competition in 1983, and the ARD International Competition in Munich in 1986.

Beyond his impressive solo career—which has included performances with leading orchestras across Europe and Japan and over 40 recorded solo CDs—Kaňka has been deeply committed to chamber music. Since 1986, he's been a member of the acclaimed Pražák string quartet and has collaborated with other ensembles including the Wihan string quartet since 2017. He's also dedicated himself to music education, beginning to teach cello at Prague's Academy of Performing Arts in 2011 and becoming a Professor at the Prague Conservatory in 2013. His discography reflects his broad musical interests, spanning works from classical and romantic composers to 20th-century masters, all performed on a contemporary instrument crafted by French luthier Christian Bayon.

Genres

Chamber Music

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Baroque

Romantic Music

Neo-classical

Orchestral

String Quartet

Solo Cello

Latest Release

Alexander Tcherepnin: Complete Works for Cello and Piano

Alexander Tcherepnin•

Michal Kanka

Album - 27 Tracks - Released November 1, 2012