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.
He pursued studies in piano and musical theory in Prague, then relocated to Vienna and Paris after his nation fell under Nazi control in 1938. At 19, he was advised by George Szell for a position as an assistant conductor at the Prague Opera.