MEMORIES OF JIRI HEGER
Master Violist &
Singapore’s Original Bohemian
We are saddened by the passing on 11 November 2023 of Czech violist JIRI HEGER, who was for 26 years the Principal Violist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He served Singapore’s burgeoning classical music scene for over 32 years, including being the main viola teacher at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Jiri (pronounced Yee-Zhee) joined the SSO in 1980, at a time when experienced musicians from Eastern Europe were employed to develop the orchestra. One is also reminded of the contributions of former concertmaster Pavel Prantl (Czechia), violist George Man (Hungary), bassist Vladimir Pushkarev (Slovakia), percussionist Grzegorz Markiewicz (Poland), and several Romanians who were all pioneers of the SSO. Previously, he played in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, but the Islamic revolution put an end to that. Drawn to Singapore, Jiri came, settled and never left, later taking on Singapore citizenship.
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| Jiri with his students, the young T'ang Quartet, late-1980s |
One of Jiri’s greatest legacies was being for many years the numero uno teacher of violists in Singapore. Anybody and everybody connected to that “unfashionable” instrument had been his student. He made playing the viola cool, and mentored the likes of violist Lionel Tan and the string players who would later become the T’ang Quartet, Singapore’s first professional chamber group.
Imagine his pride when Lionel won the Diners Club String Player of the Year Competition in 1988 playing Gyula David’s Viola Concerto (Leslie Tan and Ng Yu Ying were the other finalists) and when T’ang Quartet made its first two CD revordings. The Art Of War showcased the works of Erwin Schulhoff and Pavel Haas (Czech composers murdered in the Nazi Holocaust) while Made In America featured Dvorak’s String Quartet and String Quintet (Op.96 and 97). Jiri’s imprimatur was indelible in both these landmark recordings, capped off by him playing the second viola part in the quintet.
Jiri made several CD recordings of his own including a rare recital for the quinton, an antique brybrid instrument from the viol family. He was the only quinton player in Singapore, and his recording of sonatas by Cesar Franck and Edvard Grieg truly stands the test of time. He also made a disc of Czech lollipops with French pianist Etienne Chenevier which was also a true delight.
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| Jiri greeting British pianist Stephen Hough after a SSO concert in 2019. Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra |
Even after he retired from professional playing and teaching, Jiri was a regular presence at local concerts, toting his huge camera and lending support to his colleagues. He was always full of praise for musicians and performances, never uttering a harsh word or expressing any kind of bitterness. He was a true lover and friend of classical music, and the likes of Singapore’s original Bohemian will never the be seen again.
The following are some photographs and tributes from people who have known Jiri well:
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| Jiri with star pupil Lionel Tan |
LIONEL TAN,
Founding violist of T’ang Quartet writes:
I was his first student in Singapore.
An everlasting relationship - a true father who always gave. Not just musically but even more. The music cassettes that he regularly sent to me when I was studying in London was always such a joy.
Beyond lessons, the times I spent with him when I was in SSO after my studies were always lessons in life, observing him, absorbing his thoughts…
His legacy will live on.
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| Jiri with the Low sisters, Shao Ying (L) and Shao Suan (R) in April 2023 |
LOW SHAO YING & SHAO SUAN,
Duo pianists write:
Three weeks ago on 11th November, late at night, we received the sad and shocking news of the passing of Jiri Heger, a longtime dear friend and former colleague. We were in disbelief as the last time we met him for lunch was some months ago in April. He still looked very healthy then. And only three months ago, he wished us a Happy Birthday via a few of his friends, which now as we come to think about it, seemed strange as every other year, he would personally call us or text us on our birthdays.
We have known Jiri since 1995 when we first performed with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He was already a very lovely, kind, encouraging and funny guy. We got to know him better when we joined Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music as piano accompanists, and Shao Ying was the appointed pianist for his viola studio. His dedication, passion, love and encouragement for his students and Shao Ying gained him their respect, devotion, admiration and love in return.
He was also very generous with his time during lessons as he wanted to make sure his students understood every lesson before it ended. His lessons were very inspiring, enjoyable and interesting, and he loved to share his vast musical knowledge and personal experiences. Whenever a student made a mistake and seemed affected by it, Jiri would famously say, “We are all humans. Humans make mistakes. Even machines will breakdown.” We have been using this very wise saying on our students ever since.
After Jiri’s retirement from SSO and the conservatory, we still met once or twice a year to catch up, especially around his birthday. We would also text (or email when he was away) at times to see how each other was doing. Whenever we had any concerts, he would do his best to attend to show his unwavering support. Besides music, Jiri was also an avid photographer. Wherever he went, he never failed to capture special moments with his trusted camera, be it during his holiday trips or during our meet-ups. We still have with us the many physical and digital photographs that Jiri so kindly gave us, which will now sadly, be our only momentoes of him.
To have met and known Jiri was an honour and privilege for us. We will always remember his kindness, his love, his generosity, his encouragement, his strong yet warm voice and his infectious hearty laughter. “May you rest in peace, dear Jiri. Thank you for your love and friendship and for being part of our lives. You will forever be very fondly remembered by every lucky soul that have met and known you. Farewell and till we meet again.”
With love, Shao Ying and Shao Suan
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| Although Donald Law did not play the viola, Jiri took him under his wing and introduced him to Czech pianist Ivan Klansky, who tutored Donald pro bono. |
Donald Law, Pianist writes:
Goodbye to my dear old friend. As much as everyone says that you’re in a better place (which I’m sure you are), reuniting with your beloved mother, the fact remains that I’ll fondly miss the times we shared for the past 13 years.
All those hours worth of conversations we had at the Bishan Park Canopy cafe, talking about anything and everything under the sky, mainly revolving around music. Though we don’t play the same instruments, but I’m so glad that we share the same vision, taste, passion and beliefs about music. No words can describe the sense of loss I’m going through now, thank you for everything and especially for always believing in me from the beginning, when almost no one did at that point, not even myself!
You saw me grow as a student till now as a father, watching me went through my ups and downs, but never once have your support and confidence in me waned. Thank you for turning up at every single performance, regardless big or small, exam recitals or public recitals, you were always there at the audience, giving one of the loudest applause. Your support and encouragement never failed to inspire me.
You were like a grandfather to me, you will always hold a special place in my heart. See you at the other side next time, my dear old friend!
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| After Donald's concert at Esplanade Recital Studio, January 2023. |
Update: I have dedicated my review of the Pavel Haas Quartet's concert in Victoria Concert Hall on 19 May 2024 to the memory of Jiri Heger, SSO's first and original Bohemian. You can find the review on Bachtrack.com here:
Pavel Haas Quartet’s triumphant, all-Bohemian Singapore debut | Bachtrack
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