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Nikola Kołodziejczyk
We talk with Nikola Kołodziejczyk about how Polish jazz composers connect with the international scene. He reflects on the unique musical language of Polish artists, while also touching on the economic reality – Polish musicians often charge less than their international colleagues, which can sometimes work against them.
Nikola speaks candidly about certain challenges, including Polish jazz being underrepresented at European festivals, though this has started to change thanks to several dedicated individuals and organizations. He also points out how difficult it is to maintain professional jazz ensembles in Poland without stable institutional support.
The conversation moves to young musicians' career development and their long-term prospects. Nikola emphasizes the need for proper support structures for composers and better collaboration between music schools, both in Poland and internationally.
Rozmawia Ania Karpowicz
Nikola Kołodziejczyk
Composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist.
Prizewinner of Fryderyk Award (Polish Phonographic Society Award) for Jazz Debut of the Year, and Jazz Album of the Year, also Transatlantyk Instant Composition Competition, Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa, Krokus Jazz Festival, Jazz Juniors, Grand Prix Jazz Melomans for “The Hope of the Year” and “Album of the Year”.
His music has been commissioned and performed by: Metropole Orkest feat. Richard Bona, NOSPR (Bart van Lier: soloist), Wrocław Philharmonic and Jazztopad Festival, Łódź Philharmonic and Kolory Polski festival, Stryjo, Jazz Orchester Regensburg, Amôn Quartet (Belgia) Nederlands Blasers Ensemble, Konglomerat Big Band, Amine et Hamza M'Raihi, Filharmonia Szczecińska, Concept Art Orchestra , Orkiestra Opery i Filharmonii Podlaskiej, Nigel Kennedy Orchestra of Life Strings, Klezmafour, Akademicka Orkiestra Barokowa, Anna Hawkins (New Zealand), Michał Polcyn "Cuiaviana", Aga Kiepuszewska "Silence", Orkiestra L'Autunno, Multiplayer Ensemble, Karolina Skrzyńska, Adam Bałdych, Kid Brown, Małgorzata Hutek, Nika Lubowicz, Kuba Badach, Jana Gavacova, Big Band Małopolski, ReVerb Ensemble and others.
„I am blown away by his music. This music is powerful, creative, intricate, soulful — quite extraordinary. His musical ideas are so original.” Maria Schneider