It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Janusz Olejniczak, a monumental figure in Polish music. Olejniczak, a virtuoso pianist, teacher, and advocate for Chopin’s music, passed away on October 20, 2024 at the age of 72.
Born in Wrocław in 1952, Janusz Olejniczak’s talent was apparent from an early age. He gained international recognition at the age of 18, when he received the sixth prize at the VIII International Chopin Piano Competition in 1970. His masterful interpretations of Chopin’s compositions would come to define his career, establishing him as one of the most revered pianists of his generation.
Olejniczak was also deeply committed to educating young musicians. He served as a teacher and mentor, imparting his deep knowledge of Chopin and classical piano repertoire to students in Poland and beyond. His contributions to classical music extended to film, with his unforgettable performance in Roman Polanski’s The Pianist (2002), where his playing brought emotional depth to a powerful story.
Janusz Olejniczak’s artistry and passion for music will live on through his recordings and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career. His loss is deeply felt in the music community.
[source: ABC News; Photo by Adam Bielawski, Photobra. License: CC BY-SA 3.0]