prof. zw. BENEDYKT BŁOŃSKI
Professor of Musical Arts BENEDYKT BŁOŃSKI, professor ordinarius
In 2012 Benedykt Błoński celebrated 30 years of both scientific and artistic work. He is a graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw (in the class of prof. A. Banasiewicz) and returned to Olsztyn after completing his studies in 1982, where he started his artistic and academic careers. In 1988 he obtained 1st degree in a Musical Arts PhD in the branch of leading vocal and instrumental bands. In 1993 he gained a 2nd degree (Habilitation) in Musical Arts in the branch of conducting and obtained the title of Professor of Musical Arts in 1990, aged 42.
From 1982 to 2009 he worked with the Prof. W. Wawrzyczek Choir, currently the choir of the University of Warmia and Mazury. With this choir, he has participated in numerous competitions and festivals, both domestic and international, winning a multitude of the highest awards (first prizes, gold medals, as well as the Grand Prix). For his artistic and teaching activity he has been honoured with:
-the Award of the Ministry of Culture and Arts for "Distinguished Cultural Service" (1997),
-the Honourable Award of the Olsztyn Province Governor - "Distinguished Service for Warmia and Mazury" (1997),
-the Gold Cross of Merit (2001),
-the individual award of the President of the City of Olsztyn (2002),
-the Honourable Golden Laurel Award of the Executive Board of the Polish Union of Choirs and Orchestras,
-individual awards of the 1st and 2nd degree of the Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn,
-a special award of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage (2007),
-the Award of the President of Olsztyn-Feliks Nowowiejski award in the field of musical arts (2011)
-Medal of the Commission of National Education (2012)