65th Chopin Festival – Closing Gala Concert

Marek Bracha, who studied in Warsaw and London, is considered one of the most interesting Polish pianists of the young generation. His playing is characterised by a noble, beautiful tone and a restrained, tasteful expression. The artist is perfectly at home in the classical and romantic repertoire, playing both modern and period instruments. He does not shy away from contemporary works either and has given many premieres. In addition to his artistic activities, Bracha also lectures and leads workshops on period instruments. He consistently promotes Polish music in his concerts around the world. As a chamber musician Marek Bracha has performed with Tobias Koch, Marcin Masecki and Maciej Frąckiewicz, as well as with the Atom String Quartet, the Royal String Quartet and the Meccore String Quartet.

In 2010 Marek Bracha was among the group of four pianists who represented Poland at the 2nd level of the 16th International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. His debut solo album of Chopin’s music was released in 2013. For the upcoming seasons, Marek Bracha is preparing a recital programme consisting of preludes composed throughout the centuries, from the Baroque to the present day.

Bartosz Zurakowski was born in Opole, where he was introduced to the world of music from an early age – first in a family environment with a strong musical tradition and then at the Fryderyk Chopin National School of Music, Level I and II. In high school he became interested in conducting, which gradually became his passion. He began his studies at the Academy of Music in Lodz and after graduating he studied conducting at the Academy of Music in Warsaw.

Bartosz Zurakowski has participated in master conducting courses – both Polish and international – including courses led by Mark Tracz and Kurt Masur. He has collaborated with symphony orchestras in Poland and abroad and toured Europe and China with the musicians of the Opole Philharmonic. He is a laureate of the Witold Lutoslawski International Conducting Competition.

The artist’s main spheres of interest, besides symphonic music, are oratorio and opera. In 2007, he revived the Opole Philharmonic Choir, of which he is the conductor.