MA Jan Bielak

Music theorist and conductor. A graduate of the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, where he completed his studies in music theory and conducting, both with honours. At his alma mater, he lectures on harmony with practical exercises (Vocal Department), counterpoint (Composition, Conducting, Music Theory and Music Therapy Department) and methodology of writing a thesis (Instrumental Department). In addition, he is Assistant Conductor of the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław.

He received a research grant for a project in the category of artistic creation entitled Songs by Karol Szymanowski. Preparation of a complete monograph and its international promotion as part of the first edition of the ‘Pearls of Science’ programme organised by the Ministry of Education and Science (duration: May 2023 – April 2027). His project was the only one among ninety-eight awarded in the first edition of the Ministry of Education and Science's ‘Pearls of Science’ programme dedicated to musical art, and one of seven awarded in the artistic creation category. As many as 355 applications from candidates from all over Poland were evaluated.

He has participated in international and national scientific conferences in Mainz, Poznań, Łódź, Kraków and Wrocław (four times). His scientific articles have been published in Kwartalnik Młodych Muzykologów, Notesie Muzycznym (in preparation) and by the Academy of Music in Wrocław. He was the content and editorial supervisor of the project Words Among the Elements. Musical and Literary Impressions, carried out in cooperation with the Wrocław Opera and the Academy of Music in Wrocław.

As a conductor, he has collaborated with the Sudeten Philharmonic Orchestra in Wałbrzych, the Lower Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra in Jelenia Góra, the Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of the Academy of Music in Wrocław. He gave the world premiere of Michał Szarowicz's Circles for string orchestra and Jakub Fornagiel's Domino for six cellos. He participated in masterclasses led by Prof. Marek Pijarowski, Dr. Hab. and Dr. Wojciech Rodek.

Three of his compositions have been premiered: Caprice for solo violin, Fugue for string quartet and Sonata ‘Spotkanie’ for cellist and pianist. He is active as a journalist and promoter. He provides spoken and written commentary for concerts organised by the Academy of Music in Wrocław. He collaborates with the online magazine MeaKultura. His main interests focus on the relationship between music and words, the history of music in the context of general history, and the work of Karol Szymanowski.