Paweł Mykietyn Masterclasses

Composer Paweł Mykietyn will lead two masterclass sessions at the Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki Salon in Kraków, culminating in a final concert showcasing the work developed during the course.

The masterclasses are organised by the National Institute of Music and Dance in partnership with the Ludwig van Beethoven Association, bringing distinguished figures from the world of music together with the next generation of artists.

This latest edition follows the success of previous masterclasses led by acclaimed bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny and pianist Krzysztof Jabłoński.

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.

Paweł Mykietyn (b. 1971) is one of Poland’s leading contemporary composers. He studied composition at the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw with Włodzimierz Kotoński.

He made his debut at the Warsaw Autumn Festival at the age of 22. International recognition followed with 3 for 13, which won first prize in the young composers’ category at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers in Paris in 1995. A year later, Epiphora took first prize at UNESCO’s International Rostrum of Electroacoustic Music in Amsterdam.

Mykietyn has received commissions from major festivals, institutions and ensembles, including Warsaw Autumn, the Polish National Opera, the Kronos Quartet and the Belcea Quartet. He has worked with leading soloists and conductors including Elżbieta Chojnacka, Ewa Pobłocka, Andrzej Bauer, Jacek Kaspszyk, Jerzy Maksymiuk and Reinbert de Leeuw.

Alongside his concert music, Mykietyn has established a distinguished career in theatre and film. He has collaborated with theatre director Krzysztof Warlikowski since 1996 and has been associated with Warsaw’s Nowy Teatr since 2008. His work for cinema has received numerous awards, including the Prix France Musique–SACEM for his score to Jerzy Skolimowski’s Essential Killing.

His honours include the Polityka Passport, the OPUS Public Media Award and the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

• The masterclasses are open to graduates and current composition students at music academies and conservatoires who are Polish citizens or resident in Poland.
• The masterclasses will take place in Kraków over two sessions: 27–29 November 2026 and 11–13 December 2026.
• A final concert will take place on 13 December 2026, featuring works composed during the masterclasses.
• Places will be awarded through a competitive selection process, with a maximum of eight participants selected.
• Applications are open until 12 noon on 16 October 2026.