Jan Sedivka

Jan Boleslav Sedivka AM (8 September 1917 – 23 August 2009) was widely recognised as one of Australia's leading violinists and teachers.
Educated in the Czech Republic (Otakar Ševčík, Prague Conservatoire, J. Kocian), France (École Normale de Musique, Classe Jacques Thibaud) and England (Max Rostal), he made his reputation overseas as a soloist, chamber music player and teacher before coming to Australia in 1961.
As a performer, Jan Sedivka gained special merit for his efforts on behalf of Australian contemporary music. In this capacity he introduced a number of important works dedicated to him, in particular concertos by Larry Sitsky (Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4), James Penberthy, Ian Cugley, Don Kay, Colin Brumby, Edward Cowie and Eric Gross.
His wife Beryk Sedivka is a noted pianist who often performed with him.

For his services to music Dr. Sedivka received many honours including:

• Member of the Order of Australia 1987
• Honorary Fellow, Trinity College of Music, London
• Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of Tasmania
• Honorary Professor, Shanghai Conservatory of Music
• Memorial Gold Medal, Prague Academy of Musical Arts
• Honorary Fellowship in Music Australia
• Honorary Citizen, Royal City of Slany (Czech Republic)
• Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award 1995 (University of Melbourne)
• Honorary Professor University of Tasmania 1995
• Distinguished Service Award Australian Strings Association 1998.

• It's an Honour: AM
• ^ University of Tasmania Conservatory of Music