Janusz Olejniczak

Janusz Olejniczak (October 2, 1952 – October 20, 2024) was a distinguished Polish classical pianist, educator, and actor, renowned for his interpretations of Chopin’s works. His international career flourished as he adeptly performed on both modern and historical instruments, showcasing the depth of Chopin’s music. In addition to his musical endeavors, Olejniczak portrayed the composer in the 1991 film *Blue Note* and served as a hand double in the acclaimed 2002 film *The Pianist*.

Born in Wrocław, Olejniczak began his piano studies at just six years old. After relocating to Warsaw, he studied under notable instructors including Luiza Walewska, Ryszard Bakst, and Zbigniew Drzewiecki. His talent shone early, earning him sixth place at the VIII International Chopin Piano Competition in 1970, followed by a fourth-place finish at the Alfredo Casella Piano Competition in Naples in 1972. He further honed his skills in Paris before returning to Poland for advanced studies.

Throughout his career, Olejniczak performed a diverse repertoire that encompassed works by Beethoven, Schubert, and contemporary composers like Wojciech Kilar. He was a prominent soloist, notably premiering Kancheli’s *Valse Boston* in 1979. An esteemed educator, he taught at the Academy of Music in Kraków and conducted master classes worldwide, while also serving on juries for prestigious competitions, including the Chopin Competition.

His prolific recording career included collaborations with leading labels and earned him seven Fryderyk awards, with his interpretations of Chopin's concertos receiving critical acclaim, including an Album of the Year recognition from *Studio* magazine in 1995.