Petr has been an examiner for the AMEB for several decades. He initially studied piano with renowned Tasmanian teacher Eileen Johnson and Australian concert pianist and music educator Ronald Farren-Price AM, attaining his Licentiate and Associate Diplomas with both the AMEB and Trinity College London. He subsequently attended the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, specialising in piano performance with Beryl Sedivka and also studying violin, conducting and chamber music. His musical experience includes extensive work as a private piano teacher and accompanist and many years working with orchestral and vocal groups at St Michael’s Collegiate. He dedicated many years to the Tasmanian Music Teachers Association, serving as both the State and Southern Branch Secretary.
Since 1995 Petr has been very active in Tasmania’s theatre sector, particularly in the musical theatre genre. He won the 2017 Tasmanian Theatre Award for Best Musical Direction for his work on the Hobart production of Wicked by The Show Company Tasmania, of which he is a co-producer. Petr’s other musical direction credits include The Show Company’s productions of Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, ONE!, ONE more!, Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know, Company, Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, as well as productions for other companies of The Wizard of Oz, Nunsense, Back to the 80s, Beware the Witches! and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Petr is also an accomplished on-stage performer, with his many principal roles in musical theatre including Oscar Lindquist in Sweet Charity, Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret, Robert in Company, Amos Hart in Chicago, George Banks in Mary Poppins, Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Eddie Lyons in Blood Brothers, Captain Albert Lennox in The Secret Garden, the Defendant in Trial by Jury, Mr Sowerberry in Oliver! and Mr Cocker in Back to the 80s.
Petr has served on the Board of the Theatre Council of Tasmania for many years, including as President from 2020-2022.
