Leszek Wachnik - bassoon

A graduate of the F. Chopin Music Academy in Warsaw in the bassoon class of Prof. Z. Płużka (diploma with distinction in 1995).

He is a laureate of many bassoon competitions including: in 1988, 2nd place at the Wind Instruments Competition in Olsztyn, in 1990, 1st place in the Wind Instruments Competition in Olsztyn, in 1993, 2nd place in the Bassoon Competition in Włoszakowice, in 1996, 1st place in the Bassoon Competition in Sieradz. In 1991, he received a scholarship from YAMAHA and in 1997 from the Wiener Philharmoniker.

From 1992-1993, he was a member of the Polish Radio Orchestra, and since 1993, he has been the principal bassoonist of the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Warsaw.

He collaborates regularly with many orchestras and ensembles, including the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra and the 'Camerata Vistula' Chamber Ensemble. Since 2003, he has been collaborating as a soloist and instrumentalist with the Warsaw Camerata Orchestra (formerly the New Chamber Orchestra), and since 2007, he has been a member of its brass group.

He is a co-founder of the 'Arundo' reed quartet and a member of the 'Essentia Musica' ensemble.

Leszek Wachnik is also involved in teaching activities. Since 1997, he has been teaching bassoon at the F. Chopin ZPSM in Warsaw, and since 2008, he has been conducting master classes as part of the Janowiec Interpretations of Music in Janowiec nad Wisłą. He also collaborates with the Open Philharmonic of Musical Agrafka.

For many years, the artist has been performing as a soloist and chamber musician both in the country and abroad. In addition to classical repertoire, he also performs works by contemporary composers. He has made many solo and chamber recordings, especially for the Polish Radio Program II and the Polish Composers' Union.

In 2001, he received the award 'Meritorious Culture Activist' from the Minister of Culture.