Richard Novák
(*1931) Czech Republic
Lifetime achievements
is a significant Czech opera singer (basso), composer and organist. He completed his studies at the Brno Conservatoire in 1955. He is laureate of vocal competitions in Toulouse (1961) and Hertogenbosch (1962). In 1954, Mr Novák became soloist of the Ostrava State Theatre Opera. Later he sang at the Janáček Opera in Brno, where audiences and critics became impressed by his dramatic performances and by the unique sound of his voice and its register. Mr Novák became famous for his perfect singing technique and his sureness of intonation, which is given by his absolute pitch. His repertoire includes the complete Opera works by Bedřich Sme-tana, or works composed by Bohuslav Martinů and Leoš Janáček. He also studied pieces of work by Rossini, Mozart, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich, Strauss, Brahms, or other renowned geniuses of the musical heaven. He gave guest performances abroad, mainly in operas by Janáček, and sang on stages of many of significant opera houses. He often sings great oratorios. In 2001, Mr Novák received The Thália Award of Whole Champion. The Minister of Culture presented him with the Prize for Musical Achievements in 2005. Mr Novák has studied around 160 opera roles up to now.
