He studied piano and theory in Prague and, following the Nazi takeover of his country in 1938, studied in Vienna and Paris. At the age of 19 he was recommended by George Szell for the assistant conductor's post with the Prague Opera.
A young musician received training in piano and music theory in Prague before fleeing to Vienna and Paris following the Nazi invasion of his country in 1938. He was later recommended by George Szell for a role as an assistant conductor at the Prague Opera when he was just 19 years old.