Jan Páleníček, born on February 11, 1957, in Prague, is a distinguished Czech cellist and chamber musician. He is the son of the renowned pianist and composer Josef Páleníček, who founded the original Smetana Trio in the 1930s. Jan Páleníček has carried on this musical legacy, currently leading the Smetana Trio.

He received his musical education from eminent Czech cellists Saša Večtomov and Miloš Sádlo, and studied chamber music under Prof. Josef Vlach. His artistic development was further enriched by his interaction with the celebrated French cellist Paul Tortelier. Páleníček's early career was marked by success in various international competitions, earning him numerous accolades.

As a soloist, Jan Páleníček has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Brno State Philharmonic, and the Monte Carlo Philharmonic, among others. His festival appearances include notable events like the Prague Spring and Janáček May. His concert tours have taken him across Europe, Japan, America, and South Africa.

Páleníček has an extensive discography, recording over two dozen CDs featuring works by composers like Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Martinu, and Rachmaninov. He has received significant recognition for his recordings with the Smetana Trio, including the BBC Music Magazine Award and the Diapason d'Or.

In addition to his performance career, Jan Páleníček has contributed to music education, teaching at the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts. He is also involved in cultural management as the Artistic Director of the "Czech Culture Festivities" and the director of TRIART Management. Jan Páleníček plays on a unique French cello made by F. Delanoy in 1829.