Krzysztof Jabłoński Masterclasses

From 9–11 September 2026, The Krakow Salon of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki will host a series of masterclasses led by Krzysztof Jabłoński, one of Poland’s leading pianists and a highly regarded teacher.

Following the success of its inaugural vocal masterclasses, The Krakow Salon of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki continues its educational programme, this time inviting young pianists to work directly with the distinguished pianist.

For almost five decades, the Krakow home of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki in Wola Justowska was one of the most important informal meeting places in Polish cultural life. Musicians, writers, academics and figures from across the arts gathered here. Conversations led to friendships, artistic collaborations and projects that reached far beyond the walls of the house.

Today, The Krakow Salon of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki is bringing that tradition back to life. Rather than simply preserving the memory of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki, it is a place where their legacy can continue to grow and inspire new work. The Salon hosts workshops, masterclasses, recitals, discussions and other events.

For decades, Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki supported young artists, believing that talent needs more than practice: it also needs attention, time and the guidance of experienced mentors. The masterclasses at The Krakow Salon of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki are a natural continuation of that belief.

Krzysztof Jabłoński is one of Poland’s most highly regarded pianists. He gained international recognition in 1985, when he won Third Prize at the 11th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Four years later, he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv. He has also won prizes at a number of other major international piano competitions.

Jabłoński has performed throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. His appearances have included a prestigious recital series at the Berlin Philharmonie, as well as performances with the Orchestra of the 18th Century, the SWR Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart, the symphony orchestras of Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Brno and Lahti, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.

He has worked with leading conductors including Valery Gergiev, Andrey Boreyko, Krzysztof Penderecki, Jerzy Semkow, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Frans Brüggen, Witold Rowicki, Antoni Wit, Jan Krenz and Jacek Kaspszyk. As a chamber musician, he has performed with artists including Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi and Konstanty Andrzej Kulka, and is also the pianist of the Warsaw Quintet.

Jabłoński’s work extends beyond the traditional concert repertoire. He has taken part in ballet, opera and multimedia productions, including Fortepianissimo, choreographed by Lorca Massine, and a performance of the piano version of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande.

His discography includes recordings released in Poland, Germany and Japan. The Fryderyk Chopin Institute has released two of his recordings of Chopin’s Études – one performed on a modern piano and the other on a period instrument.

At least four pianists will be selected to take part in the masterclasses following an open application process. Each participant will have three individual 45-minute lessons with Krzysztof Jabłoński.

The masterclasses are for active participants only. Applicants should include the repertoire they would like to work on in their application form, giving the full title of each work, its opus or catalogue number, and approximate duration. Participants will be expected to perform their chosen repertoire from memory during the masterclasses.

Successful applicants will receive a detailed timetable ahead of the course.

Applications are open to:

• advanced piano students at secondary-level music schools;

• undergraduate and postgraduate piano students at music colleges and conservatoires;

• music college and conservatoire graduates;

• professional pianists.

Applications should be made individually. There is a single-stage selection process, with participants chosen by the project’s artistic curator, Krzysztof Jabłoński, on the basis of the artistic quality of the materials submitted.

The curator’s decision is final.

A complete application should include:

• a completed application form;

• links to recordings of two piano works, including one virtuoso work, hosted on an external file-sharing service or online platform;

• a short biography of no more than half a page;

• a photograph to accompany the biography;

• the repertoire you would like to work on during the masterclasses.

Applications must be submitted by 12 noon (Central European Time) on 2 September 2026 to irena@beethoven.org.pl.

Please use “Piano Masterclasses” as the subject line of your email.

Late applications will not be considered.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email no later than 4 September 2026.

Successful applicants will be asked to confirm their place within 24 hours of receiving the notification. If confirmation is not received within this time, the place will be considered declined.

Participation in the masterclasses is free of charge. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meals.

The organisers reserve the right to make audio and video recordings of the masterclasses and to publish photographs and recordings documenting the event.

The masterclasses are organised by the Ludwig van Beethoven Association, on the initiative of Andrzej Giza, President of the Association.

For any questions about the application process, please contact the project coordinator, Irena Tarkowska, at irena@beethoven.org.pl.