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Radek Baborak is principal hornist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, winner at many international competitions and one of the world's most exceptional hornists. As a soloist, he is a frequent guest of leading orchestras and cooperates with top conductors. His repertoire comprises of the complete horn work from baroque until the present.
Born in Pardubice, Czech Republic, in 1976, into a family with a long music tradition, Radek began his astonishing career at the age of eight, when he was given a French horn to play, as it was a comparatively inexpensive and therefore affordable instrument. He took to it immediately and after only two years under tutelage of Prof. Karel Krenek was already able to publicly perform with all Mozarts Horn Concerto with the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of his home town. He soon became a laureate winner of all national competitions.
At the age of twelve, Radek was awarded 1st Prize at the Concertino Praga Radio Competitions and three years later, he came 3rd at the prestigious Prague Spring International Competitions and received the Grand Prix Unesco.
From 1989 to 1994 he continued his Studies with Prof. Bedrich Tylsar at the Conservatory of Prague and graduated with distinction. During his studies, Radek received various laureate prizes at International Competitions:
- 2nd Prize in Geneva, 1993
- 1st Prize at the ARD Competition in Munich, 1994
- 1st Prize in Markneukirchen, 1994
- Grammy Classic Award, 1995
- 1st Prize in chamber music with his Afflatus Quintetat the ARD Competition in Munich, 1997
- Davidoff Prix, 2000
At the age of 18, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra offered him the principal positions without previous audition. From 1996 – 2000 Radek held the solo horn position at the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2001, he was offered an exclusive contract with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and since 2003, Radek plays principal horn at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. As a soloist, he plays with leading orchestras:
- Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
- Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
- DSO Berlin
- Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio
- RSO London
- Radio France Orchestra
- St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
- NHK Symphony Orchestra
- New Japan Philharmonic
- Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg
- Bach Academie Stutgart
- Liszt Chamber Orchestra
- Mito Chamber Orchestra
- and conductors such as James Lewine, Seiji Ozawa, Daniel Barenboim, Sir Simano Rattle, Neeme Jarvi
The sold out performances on the Royal Festival Hall, concerts at the Salzburg Easter Festival or 1st May Concert of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague were by the audience and critics appreciated with enthusiasm and share the opinion of the astonished critics after his performance with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra at the Mozart Festival Wurzburg saying "this artist is a phenomenon"
Radek Baborak is also a chamber musician and has been performing with Afflatus Quintet as well as his ensemble Baborak and Friends in many important chamber music series. He also loves playing recital programs and has participated in many Festivals and has appeared in concerts and radio broadcast with renowned colleagues such as:
- Yefim Bronfmann
- Andras Schiff
- Ian Bostridge
- Emanuel Pahud
- Albrecht Mayer
- Gay Braunstein
- Lorenz Nasturica
- as well as with leading Vienna Philharmonic and Berlin Philharmonic members.