Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
I am a music artist, composer, and guitarist, a member of the Czech Composers Society, and a voting member of the Recording Academy™ for the Grammy Awards®. Though I obtained a legal degree at university, I have been involved in music composition since childhood. Later, I studied at the conservatory with renowned guitar composer Milan Tesař, where, in addition to guitar performance, I was also guided in composition studies as part of my lessons. During my studies and beyond, I actively performed classical guitar concerts in Prague churches, local halls, and various other venues across my country.
Nowadays, I focus on composing and recording my music and collaborate with other artists. My first classical guitar album, Portraits in Guitar, was released by MSR Classics (USA) in 2019, and my latest album, Silence of Eclipse, was released under Bongo Boy Records (USA) in 2024. My music has been featured on five compilation albums by various artists under the same record label. Additionally, my music has been played on hundreds of radio stations worldwide.
What do you believe defines a great composer, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
Defining a great composer is difficult, as musical taste is highly subjective. However, I believe in the power of a beautifully crafted yet unusually structured melody, supported by complex harmonies in a modern style. Despite this complexity, the final composition should feel like a unified entity, flowing effortlessly without disrupting the listener’s immersion.
As I was trained in classical guitar, the instrument remains central to my recorded compositions. However, I frequently adapt my music for different instruments, especially for concert performances. Beyond these arrangements, I also enjoy seeing my compositions reimagined in completely different musical styles - not just classical.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors or other team members)?
I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues from Duo Beautiful Strings, whose performances brought my compositions to various concert venues, ultimately leading to this achievement. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible and unique work of my mentor, composer Milan Tesař. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much from him.
Duo Beautiful Strings
Discover more about Simonne: