The Australia Council for the Arts mourns the passing of acclaimed musician and educator, Prof Jan Sedivka.
Prof Sedivka, who died at the age of 91 in Hobart, held the position of Master Musician in Residence at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Conservatorium of Music, which he was given on his retirement in 1983.
Amongst Professor Sedivkaís many achievements, he was honoured with Australia Councilís Don Banks Award in 2004 for his distinguished contribution to the art of string playing and 40-year influence on Australiaís musical landscape.
Dr Matthew Hindson, Chair of the Australia Councilís Music Board said: ëProfessor Sedivka made an immense contribution to Australian classical music. For decades the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music has built a reputation of sustained excellence in string performance and training. The musical impact the institution has had on Australia and overseas is the result of the formidable influence of Prof Sedivka.í
Born in Czechoslovakia, Prof Sedivka studied in Prague, Paris and London, and taught music in the latter city before coming to Australia in 1961 to fill the position of Chief Lecturer of Violin and Chamber Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. His connection to the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music began in 1966 and consolidated in 1972 when he became its director, a position he held for ten years. Since 1982, he has held the position of Master Musician-in-Residence at the University of Tasmania.
Prof Sedivka also made significant contributions to music education and music development through his work with the Australian Music Examinations Board, various associations, departments and conservatoria, and as a member of various state and federal arts funding bodies. He was a member of the Music Board of the Australia Council from 1975 to 1980.
The Australia Council for the Arts, on behalf of the Australian Government, extends its sincere sympathies to Jan Sedivkaís family and his many colleagues.
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