Renowned conductor Mario Klemens passes away at 88

Czech conductor and teacher Mario Klemens died on Saturday at the age of 88, his son Adam confirmed to the Czech News Agency.

Klemens, a native of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, was a long-time conductor of the Film Symphony Orchestra (FISYO), recording music for over 150 films. He headed the orchestra from 1979 until its dissolution in the early 1990s, conducting performances at home and abroad, including the Prague Spring Festival.

A respected guest conductor, Klemens collaborated with numerous Czech and international record companies and taught conducting at the Prague Conservatory.