JERZY MAKSYMIUK

Jerzy Maksymiuk was born in Grodno. He completed his music studies with three diplomas: in piano (class of Jerzy Lefeld), composition (class of Piotr Perkowski), and conducting (class of Bogusław Madey).

In 1961, he won the 1st prize at the National Piano Competition named after Ignacy Jan Paderewski in Bydgoszcz, but he abandoned piano for conducting. In 1972, he founded the Polish Chamber Orchestra, which soon many critics recognized as one of the best orchestras in the world. The POK performed under his baton all over the world in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, London Proms, Wiener Festwochen, and of course in Poland. A successful contract with the record label EMI was also a highlight.

In 1975, Maksymiuk became the first conductor of WOSPR (two European tours and a tour in the United States). The years 1983-1991 were a fruitful period as the chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, with many concerts and tours with this ensemble (including the Promenade Concerts in London). The title of Conductor Laureate awarded to him is a recognition of his achievements with the BBC SSO. In 1990, Jerzy Maksymiuk began collaborating with the English National Opera, where he conducted the premiere performances of 'Don Giovanni' and 'Die Fledermaus'. The following years were filled with concerts in many prestigious venues, including conducting the opening concert of the Belfast Philharmonic Hall. He has performed with renowned orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, and Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed in his home country, often with the Sinfonia Varsovia, which he founded.

He has recorded about 100 albums, including for EMI (13 albums), Hyperion, and Naxos. Many have been honored with prestigious awards, including the Wiener Flöten Uhr for his interpretation of Mozart with POK (1982), the Gramophone Award for 'Best Concerto of the Year' (1992) for the recording of 'The Confession of Isobel Gowdie' by James MacMillan, and in 1995 for the concertos of Medtner (soloist Nikolai Demidenko) from Hyperion.

Maksymiuk has always promoted contemporary music. He is one of the founders of the Polish Society of Contemporary Music. He has participated multiple times in the 'Warsaw Autumn' (twice awarded the 'Orpheus'), and in various countries, he has given premieres of about 200 contemporary works. In recognition of these merits, Strathclyde University in Glasgow awarded him the title of Doctor of Letters.

The Elgar Society awarded him a gold medal for popularizing the music of Edward Elgar.

Maksymiuk is also a composer (symphonic music, chamber compositions, ballet, songs, film music). His recently written compositions include the oratorio 'Arbor vitae' (2003), the song cycle 'Czerwony księżyc' (2004), 'Whispers and Cries of Dreams' - a work for cello and chamber orchestra (2005), 'Four Colors' - a concerto for two violins and chamber orchestra (2006), 'Strings of Life' - for large orchestra, organ, percussion, and church bells (2007), 'Norwidiana' (2008) - for two sopranos, mezzo-soprano, and orchestra, 'A Song of The Blind Star' (2011) - for string orchestra, piano, and two clarinets, music for the silent film 'Mania' with Pola Negri - 85 minutes (2011), 'Lament of the Heart' (2012) for orchestra and soprano, 'Dedication' for large orchestra (2014), 'Verse' (2014).

He has been awarded, among others, the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. He has also been honored with the Golden Beret and the Gold Medal 'Gloria Artis'. He is a laureate of the Kamil Cyprian Norwid Award for his overall achievements. He also boasts the SuperWiktor award and the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Białystok.

mat. Warner Music Poland