ABOUT ME
Born in April 1987 in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, I decided to learn to play the guitar at the age of seven. Little did I know at the time what a remarkable journey this decision would lead me on. The joy and successes in playing led me to pursue a career as a guitarist and musician. I would have never imagined ending up in the city of Vienna, where I continued my guitar studies at the University of Music. After completing my degree in 2014, I delved into both performing and teaching.
Despite often missing my homeland during my studies in Austria, Vienna grew close to my heart to such an extent that I decided to stay in the capital of music after graduating. Since then, I have dedicated myself to giving concerts and teaching guitar.
Classical music and the guitar have always been among my greatest passions. While I still love interpreting the works of classical music masters, there was always something missing in this creative process. In 2017, I discovered the beautiful book "Moravské národní písně" (Moravian Folk Songs) by František Sušil (first published in 1835). The deep and somewhat mysterious beauty of these songs began to influence my musical imagination. This marked the beginning of an entirely new creative process that I had not experienced before. In recent years, I have been striving to translate these simple and beautiful folk treasures into my own musical language.
Years of playing and arranging these cherished pieces culminated in the release of my debut album, "Prameny" (Springs), in 2020. I called it “Prameny” which means “Springs”. My hometown of Carlsbad is a famous spa town well-known for its unique mineral springs, 13 of which are used for healing therapy.There are 13 songs on my album. Each one of these songs is like a spring to me, a witness of the ancestors, coming from the deepest depths and yet full of life and freshness!
Project "Prameny" gained international acclaim. The Global Music Awards competition, held in the United States on July 10, 2023, awarded my project with a silver medal in two categories: "Emerging Artist" and "World Music."
My passion for the art of song led me to other wonderful musical discoveries. Alongside my dear colleague and American brother, Bryan Benner, we embarked on a journey to explore the realm of Neapolitan songs. With the assistance of our talented Czech composer and dear friend, Tomáš Janoška, we revitalized and recorded beautiful arrangements of Neapolitan songs by legends of Italian music, Fausto Cigliano and Mario Gangi. Tune into our albums, "Li Pisce Zompano!" and "Muntagna d'Angeli," to experience our Neapolitan journey.
VIDEOS
"Aj Hora" from CD Prameny
"Pachole" from CD Prameny
Neapolitan songs with Bryan Benner
MUSIC
Prameny
Li Pisce Zompano!
Muntagna d'Angeli
CONTACT ME
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have and be sure to join my mailing list to receive regular (but not too regular) updates about news and concerts.