Zdeněk Mácal, Czech-American conductor

Zdeněk Mácal, pronounced [ˈzdɛɲɛk ˈmaːtsal], is a distinguished Czech conductor born on January 8, 1936, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now part of the Czech Republic). Renowned for his dynamic interpretations and extensive international career, Mácal has left a significant mark on the classical music world across several continents.

Early Life, Education, and Formative Years

Mácal's musical journey commenced at the tender age of four, when he began violin lessons under the tutelage of his father. This early start laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. His formal education continued at the prestigious Brno Conservatory, a venerable institution for musical training. He further honed his skills at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, also located in Brno, where he graduated in 1960 with the highest honors. This rigorous academic background equipped him with the comprehensive musical knowledge and technical prowess essential for a conducting career.

Ascension in Czechoslovakia and International Recognition

Following his graduation, Mácal rapidly rose through the ranks of the Czech musical scene. He notably became the principal conductor of the esteemed Prague Symphony Orchestra, a pivotal role that saw him lead both intricate symphonic concerts and captivating opera productions. His talent quickly garnered international attention through a series of significant victories in prestigious conducting competitions. In 1965, he triumphed at the International Conducting Competition in Besançon, France, a highly respected contest known for identifying emerging talent. The following year, 1966, he achieved further renown by winning the Dimitri Mitropoulos International Music Competition in New York. This particular victory was made even more significant by the involvement of the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, who personally directed the competition, underscoring Mácal's exceptional promise.

Exile and a New Chapter in Europe

Mácal's flourishing career in Czechoslovakia took an unexpected turn with the dramatic political events of 1968. The Soviet-led invasion, which brutally suppressed the period of political liberalization known as the Prague Spring, compelled him to make the difficult decision to leave his homeland. This marked a significant moment in his life, as he effectively became a political exile, seeking new opportunities abroad. He quickly found work in Western Europe, first securing a position with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne in Germany, a prominent broadcasting orchestra. He then moved on to the Radio Orchestra of Hanover, further cementing his reputation in the European classical music circuit.

His international profile received a significant boost with an impressive London debut in February 1969. Serving as a last-minute replacement for the ailing Constantin Silvestri, Mácal led the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in a dazzling performance of Richard Strauss's monumental tone poem Don Quixote at the iconic Royal Festival Hall. This memorable concert featured the celebrated cellist Paul Tortelier and violist Mary Samuel, who expertly portrayed the role of Sancho Panza, showcasing Mácal's ability to deliver compelling performances under pressure and with world-class soloists.

Forays into the American Orchestral Scene

Mácal's talent soon reached American shores, making his highly anticipated debut with the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1972. This marked the beginning of a substantial presence in the United States. He subsequently took on significant advisory and leadership roles, serving as Artistic Advisor of the San Antonio Symphony and also as the principal conductor of Chicago's renowned Grant Park Music Festival, a prominent outdoor classical music festival.

Controversial Tenure with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

In a notable chapter of his career, Mácal was appointed Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for a three-year term, commencing with the 1986 season. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), which oversaw the orchestra, went to considerable lengths to accommodate him financially. They agreed to adjust Mácal's fee to mitigate any adverse effects from fluctuations in the Australian dollar or changes in tax arrangements, with the ABC bearing any potential financial loss. However, shortly after officially taking up his appointment in March 1986, Mácal requested to be released from his contract at the end of the first year, a request that was initially granted. Intriguingly, in July 1986, with five concerts of his inaugural season still remaining, he departed Australia without explanation or even informing the ABC, leaving a notable controversy in his wake.

Successful Leadership of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Despite the abrupt end to his Sydney engagement, Mácal quickly secured a significant position, becoming music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 1986. His tenure there was marked by considerable success and critical acclaim. A highlight was the orchestra's critically acclaimed East Coast tour in 1989, which included highly regarded performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie Hall in New York, solidifying the orchestra's national reputation. During this period, Mácal also made a very popular recording of Bedřich Smetana's iconic cycle of symphonic poems, Má vlast, for Telarc Records in 1991. This recording was particularly fitting given his Czech heritage and the work's deep connection to Czech nationalism. His impact in Milwaukee extended beyond live performances, as the orchestra's concerts were regularly broadcast on more than 300 radio stations, significantly expanding their reach and audience.

Leading the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

Mácal transitioned from Milwaukee to assume the role of Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) in September 1993. His leadership there continued to foster the orchestra's growth and recording profile. In the fall of 1994, Delos International recorded Antonín Dvořák's poignant sacred work, Stabat Mater, with the NJSO under Mácal's baton. Further showcasing his commitment to recording, in 1995, he led the orchestra in innovative Dolby Surround recordings of Reinhold Glière's Symphony No. 2 in C minor and the vibrant suite from the ballet The Red Poppy. He concluded his successful tenure with the NJSO in 2002, subsequently holding an esteemed emeritus title, maintaining an enduring connection with the orchestra.

Return to the Czech Philharmonic and Subsequent Resignation

In a significant return to his homeland, Mácal was appointed chief conductor of the revered Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2003. This appointment was a profound moment, representing his leadership of a national musical treasure. His contract was initially set to extend through 2008; however, in a move that echoed previous instances of abrupt departures in his career, he suddenly resigned from this prestigious post in September 2007, prior to the completion of his term.

Clarifying an Orchestration Misattribution and Media Appearances

Did Zdeněk Mácal orchestrate Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition?

While some sources, such as John Holmes's "Conductors on Record," have incorrectly attributed an orchestral arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky's piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition to Zdeněk Mácal from 1977, Mácal himself unequivocally refuted this claim. In a statement on April 20, 1996, he explicitly clarified, "I have never written a note or orchestration of my own," ensuring accuracy regarding his compositional and arranging credits.

Beyond the concert hall, Mácal also ventured into the realm of popular culture. In 2006, he made a memorable, albeit brief, appearance in the highly popular Japanese drama series Nodame Cantabile. This series, based on Tomoko Ninomiya's beloved manga, featured Mácal in scenes filmed on location in Prague, playing the significant role of conductor Sebastiano Vieira, the main character's childhood mentor. He reprised this role for two special episodes filmed in 2007, which were broadcast on January 4 and 5, 2008, further demonstrating his cultural impact beyond traditional classical music circles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zdeněk Mácal

• What are Zdeněk Mácal's notable achievements?

  Mácal's notable achievements include winning the International Conducting Competition in Besançon (1965) and the Dimitri Mitropoulos International Music Competition (1966), leading major orchestras like the Prague Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, and the Czech Philharmonic, and making acclaimed recordings with labels like Telarc and Delos.

• Why did Zdeněk Mácal leave Czechoslovakia?

  Zdeněk Mácal left Czechoslovakia in 1968 after the Soviet-led invasion crushed the Prague Spring, choosing to pursue his career internationally rather than remain under the repressive regime.

• Which famous conductors did Zdeněk Mácal work with early in his career?

  Zdeněk Mácal won the Dimitri Mitropoulos International Music Competition under the direction of the legendary Leonard Bernstein in 1966, an early highlight of his career.

• What was Zdeněk Mácal's connection to Nodame Cantabile?

  Zdeněk Mácal appeared in the popular Japanese drama series Nodame Cantabile, based on a manga, portraying the character of conductor Sebastiano Vieira, the childhood mentor of the main protagonist. He filmed scenes in Prague for the series and its special episodes.