Vása Prihoda

Váša Příhoda, born on August 22, 1900, in Vodňany, Czech Republic, was a violinist. He began his musical education under his father Alois Příhoda and later studied with Jan Mařák. His breakthrough came in December 1919 when Arturo Toscanini praised his rendition of "Nel cor più non mi sento" by Paganini. This led to extensive tours across Europe and the Americas, including notable performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 1920, he began recording with the Edison Company, collaborating with pianist Asta Doubravská. His concert activities were curtailed during World War II, but he intensified his teaching. Post-war, he faced restrictions and persecution in Czechoslovakia, leading him to settle in Rapallo, Italy. Příhoda passed away on July 26, 1960, in Vienna.