Richard ŠVÉDA

Richard Švéda was born on January 31, 2001, in Krnov, Czech Republic. He began playing the clarinet in 2010 at the Krnov Elementary Art School under the guidance of Mgr. Pavlin Panayotov. Since 2022, he has been studying at the Church Conservatory of the Teutonic Order in Opava, continuing his studies with the same teacher.

He has developed his talent and musical skills through numerous masterclasses led by renowned clarinetists such as Charles Neidich, Karel Dohnal, Joseph Eller, Milan Řeřicha, and others. He also had the opportunity to perform under the baton of prominent conductors such as Petr Altrichter, Stanislav Vavřínek, Lt. Col. Jaroslav Šíp, and Col. Václav Blahunek.

Richard has successfully participated in several national and international competitions. In 2015 and 2018, he won 1st prize at the national round of the Czech Republic's Elementary Art School competition in Liberec and Prague. In 2021, he was awarded the Gold Band and a special prize for the best interpretation of a piece in the "Múzy Ilji Hurníka" competition. The year 2022 was particularly successful for Richard, as he won three competitions – 1st prize at the "Heirs of Orpheus" competition in Albena, Bulgaria, 1st prize and a special award at the "Travna Art Festival," and the overall victory at the "Hong Kong Music Talent and Performance Award 2022." In 2023, he won 1st prize and the special jury award for interpretation at the "Pardubické dechy" competition. 

Richard has also collaborated with leading musical ensembles in the Czech Republic. He performed with the joint orchestra of Elementary Art School students and members of the Czech Philharmonic, with whom he appeared at the Dvořák Hall of Rudolfinum and in an Open Air concert at Hradčanské Square in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, he participated in the "Mozart's Children" project, performing with both the Janáček and Brno Philharmonics. He regularly performs as a soloist and as a member of wind orchestras across the Czech Republic. For his musical achievements, he was named the cultural personality of the city of Krnov twice in 2016 and 2018.

Richard currently plays on the RZ Solo Clarinet.