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updated: 04/09/2024
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Performer Information

Jan Wojtacha

Chorusmaster

Silesian Philharmonic Choir (Chór Filharmonii Śląskiej)

Jan Wojtacha was a compassionate yet demanding individual, particularly as an educator. He unwaveringly pursued excellence in art and maintained a high level of honesty and respect for people. For three decades, Jan Wojtacha led the Silesian Philharmonic Choir, showcasing his exceptional skills as a choirmaster. As a lecturer at the Academy of Music Karol Szymanowski in Katowice, he dedicated himself to nurturing young talent. From 1991 to 2006, he served as the head of the Department of Choral Conducting at the University of Katowice and the dean of the Faculty of Music Education.

Jan Wojtacha, a vital and responsible teacher, prioritized the musical development of young artists throughout his career. Despite his age, he remained enthusiastic about teaching and conducting, earning admiration from his students for his dedication.

As the creator and artistic director of the Silesian Philharmonic Choir for 30 years, Jan Wojtacha left an indelible mark. Under his leadership, the choir received acclaim, performing at prestigious festivals such as Wratislavia Cantans. The professor’s authority within the team was remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on those who worked with him.

Jan Wojtacha’s influence extended to numerous recordings, including works by Karol Szymanowski and Henryk Mikołaj Górecki. Recognized as an outstanding choirmaster and methodologist, he served as a juror for various competitions and festivals, earning the Stanisław Moniuszko Award in 2006. The Wojtacha school became synonymous with the purity of intonation, rhythmic precision, proper emission, phrasing, self-control, and awareness of one’s voice. The legacy of Jan Wojtacha continues to resonate through the impact he had on generations of musicians and the world of choral music.

Source: Polish Radio

Performances
#
1
January 11, 1992
Dimitri Mitropoulos Hall
Athens
Greece
N/A
Athens Concert Hall
Theodore Antoniou (conductor), Jan Wojtacha (chorusmaster)
ERT- National Symphony Orchestra, Silesian Philharmonic Choir (Chór Filharmonii Śląskiej)
Parable, Op. 34a (suite)
Works
#
Work Page
1
YSC76
Parable

Ballet

34A

4443-4331, Timpani, Percussion (Celesta, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Crotales, Tubular Bells, Snare Drum, Tambourine, Bass Drum, Claves, 5 Temple Blocks, 2 Woodblocks, Triangle, Maracas, Cymbals, Tam-Tam, Gong), Harp, Strings (16, 14, 12, 10, 8), Choir

References
  1. Valia Christopoulou, Yorgos Sicilianos Catalogue of Works [Κατάλογος Έργων Γιώργου Σισιλιάνου] (Athens: Panas Music Papagrigoriou - Nakas, 2011) , 95
  2. Polskie Radio. “Zmarł Jan Wojtacha – twórca Chóru Filharmonii Śląskiej. Był człowiekiem o nieprawdopodobnym autorytecie.” Polskie Radio. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.polskieradio.pl/8/1874/artykul/2870471,zmarl-jan-wojtacha-tworca-choru-filharmonii-slaskiej-byl-czlowiekiem-o-nieprawdopodobnym-autorytecie.