● Daniel Skála is one of the most respected concert cimbalom performers today. He collaborates with leading artists, ensembles, and orchestras such as Ensemble Modern (Frankfurt), Ostravská banda, Teatro de la Fenice (Venice), Asko/Schönberg Ensemble (Amsterdam), London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Polish National Philharmonic Orchestra. His repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary music, with a particular focus on modern works. Daniel is also a professor at the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
● Matej Číp, a pioneering cimbalom performer from a small village in Moravia, Czech Republic, has been recognized for his contributions to spreading the cimbalom’s global reach. He became the first cimbalom student at a U.S. university and he recently attained his Master's degree at Berklee College of Music in New York City. Matej has won numerous awards, including first prize at the 2017 International Cimbalom Festival. Matej’s international work includes collaborations with traditional Chinese instruments during his time at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, culminating in a performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics. His recent achievements also include performing at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington D.C. and for Czech President Petr Pavel during his visit to Chicago in 2024.
Daniel and Matěj are deeply grateful for the generous support from the National Recovery Plan, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and European Union, which has made this opportunity to share the cimbalom with new audiences possible.