Jan Sedivka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jan Boleslav Sedivka
Jan Sedivka, Mount Nelson, 1988
Born	8 September 1917 Slaný, Czechoslovakia
Died	23 August 2009 Hobart, Australia
Partner(s)	Beryl Sedivka
Awards	Order of Australia

Jan Boleslav Sedivka AM (in Czech: Šedivka) was a very important violinist and teacher. He was born in Slaný, Czechoslovakia, on September 8, 1917. He later moved to Australia and became one of its most famous musicians. Jan Sedivka passed away in Hobart, Australia, on August 23, 2009.

About Jan Sedivka

Jan Sedivka studied music in many places around the world. He learned in his home country, Czechoslovakia, from famous teachers like Otakar Ševčík and Jaroslav Kocián. He also studied in France at the École Normale de Musique. Later, he went to England to learn from Max Rostal.

Before coming to Australia in 1961, Jan Sedivka was already well-known. He was a great solo performer and played in chamber music groups. He was also a respected teacher.

Supporting Australian Music

Jan Sedivka was especially known for helping new Australian music. He played many important pieces that were written just for him. These included violin concertos by composers like Larry Sitsky, James Penberthy, Ian Cugley, Don Kay, Colin Brumby, Edward Cowie, and Eric Gross. By playing these new works, he helped Australian composers share their music with the world.

His wife, Beryl Sedivka, was a talented pianist. She often performed music with him.

Awards and Special Honours

Jan Sedivka received many awards for his amazing work in music. These honours showed how much he contributed to the world of classical music.

• Member of the Order of Australia (1987)
• Honorary Fellow, Trinity College of Music, London
• Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of Tasmania
• Honorary Professor, Shanghai Conservatory of Music
• Memorial Gold Medal, Prague Academy of Musical Arts
• Honorary Fellowship in Music Australia
• Honorary Citizen, Royal City of Slany (Czech Republic)
• Honorary Professor University of Tasmania (1995)
• Distinguished Service Award Australian Strings Association (1998)

Bernard Heinze Memorial Award

The Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award is a special prize. It is given to someone who has made a truly outstanding contribution to music in Australia.

Don Banks Music Award

The Don Banks Music Award was created in 1984. It honours a very important artist who has made a huge and lasting impact on music in Australia. The Australia Council started this award. It is named after Don Banks, an Australian composer and performer.

Jan Sedivka's Students

Jan Sedivka taught many students during his career. He helped many young musicians become skilled violinists.