#WCG2018 – Meet the Jury
10 questions with Jan Míšek (Czech Republic)
Renowned choral experts from 28 different nations are going to evaluate the competition performances at the World Choir Games 2018 in Tshwane, South Africa. Time to learn more about them!
10 questions with Jan Míšek (Czech Republic)
Jan Míšek is the founder & director of the multiple award-winning BONIFANTES Boys Choir and also director of the Czech Soloist Consort ensemble. Further activities include his work as an interpreter of contemporary music and specialist on baroque and renaissance music. Jan Míšek is also known in the choral community as a composer, conductor, producer, musicologist and music lecturer.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration in life?
The man who influenced my musical life was positively prof. Jiří Skopal. With his dedication for choir music, systematic style of work and all his personal qualities he made me different.
What would you be doing today, if you were not in choral music?
As a boy I wanted to become a surgeon as my father was. But when I turned 12 and led my first rehearsal, everything changed.
When did you last sing?
I use to sing with my boy singers regularly when my college assistant conducts the choir. Occasionally I sing as a guest soloist. But as a choir member last time I sang some 8 years ago with the Czech Baroque Ensemble.
What is the best (and funniest) story to tell from your choral life?
When I was 17, I was a member of a large choir composed generally of older singers. We sang some oratorio with a guest orchestral conductor. He was really terrible. No one was able to read his conducting. And finally one of the very ole bas singers shouted: “Give us first beat and get lost!”
Which song never fails to move you?
It is definitely Moravian folk song “O lásko, lásko” (O, Love, Love). Incredibly simple but heartfelt piece.
With whom would you like to sing a duet once in your life?
Leonard Cohen, for sure.
What is the greatest piece of choral literature that has ever been written?
From old times definitely Bach’s Matheus Passion. From newer times it is Schnidtke’s Minnesang.
Acting as adjudicator at choir competitions, what is your main focus of evaluation?
Sound of the choir and vocal technique, musicality and precision of performance.
What is your personal advice to choirs/conductors competing at the World Choir Games?
Work hard before competition and conduct/sing gently during…
What’s the most useless talent you have?
To phrase incorrect but truthful political analyses.
