Matěj Štěpánek studied cello at the conservatoire in Pardubice under Josef Krečmer, at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague under Miroslav Petráš, and at the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber in Dresden under Emil Rovner. During his studies he participated in numerous masterclasses, for example with Michaela Fukačová, Petr Prause, Vida Vujic, Avedis Kouyoumdjian, Johannes Meissl and many more. Since his 19 years of age he was a guest player in Czech Philharmonic and after that also graduate of their Orchestral Academy program. He was successful in various competitions including Dotzauer International Cello Competition in Dresden (2009), International Cello Competition Bohuslav Martinu in Prague (2012), ISA Masterclass Vienna competition (2013).
In 2017-18 as a member of Wihan Quartet he was performing at many wonderful and prestigious venues around the globe. In present days he is a member of Barocco Sempre Giovane ensemble and also Sedlacek Quartet, which closely cooperates with Czech Radio and focuses mainly on contemporary music and forgotten jewels of string quartet composition. Wonderful example is a last year recording of Rafael Kubelík’s enigmatic string quartets.
As a soloist he performed with ensembles like PKF – Prague Philharmonia, Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra, chamber ensemble Barocco Sempre Giovane, ensemble L’Armonia Terrena and more.
His love for jazz, improvisation and music of every genre led him to cooperation with artists like Jiří Stivín, Martin Zbrožek, Ondřej Havelka and his Melody Makers and many more. He is a regular guest in Prague Cello Quartet and member and one of the creative elements in a genre fusion band GaRe.
