Our Faculty for Programs in Europe

Our faculty is comprised of outstanding performing artists who combine concert careers as chamber players with a dedication to teaching. They are passionate about sharing their expertise in an encouraging and supportive manner to help you achieve your individual musical goals. You’ll have the opportunity to hear them collaborate in faculty recitals and, for an additional fee, sign-up for private lessons during the week.

JOHN DEXTER (viola) has been playing quartets since he was 13 years old (which is practically for centuries!). His passion for chamber music is second to none and he is in demand as a teacher and coach. John was a member of the Manhattan String Quartet for 39 years, and has also been an active studio musician in New York and held principal viola positions with the New York City Opera Orchestra, Philharmonia Virtuosi, the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra, the American Composers Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. He has done rather well despite his difficulty with the alto clef!

CAL WIERSMA (violin, viola) has an impressive biography as a soloist and chamber musician that is far too extensive to include here! He was a founding member of the prize-winning Meliora Quartet and was a member of the Manhattan String Quartet for 20 years. Cal is Associate Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at Ithaca College and maintains an active international career as a soloist and chamber musician. He is a noted performer of contemporary music and tours extensively with new music ensembles. His teaching and coaching prowess is as legendary as his keen sense of humor.

JITKA VLASANKOVA (cello) is a founding member of the Martinu Quartet and has an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. She has received numerous prizes in cello competitions at home as well as abroad (Prague Spring International Competition, Pablo Casals Competition in Budapest and others). Jitka has been a driving force behind the Play with the Professionals (PLAYWIP) program for amateur chamber players and is regularly invited to sit on juries of international competitions. Her intense focus as a performer and teacher is combined with a radiant and enthusiastic personality. 

RADIM SEDMIDUBSKY (viola) is currently a member of the well-known Talich Quartet. A co-founder and member of the Skampa Quartet for more than 20 years, he is also a former member of the Pavel Haas Quartet. It seems that Radim just can’t resist playing quartets! He also enjoys an active international career as a chamber musician and soloist, touring Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Radim has led chamber music classes on many continents and in 2001 was appointed visiting professor of chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the Prague Conservatory. Radim's congenial wit and humor are a perfect complement to his wisdom and insight into playing quartets.