Juraj Filas
(1955)
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Jurai Filas was born in 1955 in the Slovakian town of Kosice. He received instruction in voice, piano and composition at the Music Academy in Prague. His composition teachers were Jan Zdenek Bartos and Jiri Pauer. Juraj Filas lives and works in Prague as a Professor for composition. He has composed chamber music, symphonic music and film music; his work as a composer has been honoured with numerous prizes. Juraj Filas's music speaks a lyrical expressive language, inspired by the rich heritage of Slavic folk music. Juraj Filas: «From the beginning my compositions were based on the great European tradition: clear form, melody and tonality are the most important issues for me. They are the essence of music and I cann not do without them.» In regard to this tradition he wrote: «As the feeling for security in life becomes more endangered, I found myself drawing upon the strength of tradition even more.» The Quartet «Dear good old freedom» was composed for the Zurich Oboequartet and was premiered by the ensemble on September 3rd, 2000, in Basle.