dr hab. Roman Kuźniak, prof. UWM

Roman Kuźniak, a bassoonist, soloist, chamber musician and educator boasting rich and comprehensive artistic activity. A graduate of the 1st and 2nd Degree Music School in Szczecin in Waldemar Ogonowski's class of bassoon and the National Higher School of Music in Cracow in the class of professor Kazimierz Siudmak. Already during his studies he recorded for theatrical plays and music archives. He cooperated with the Music Theatre and the 'STU Theatre' in Cracow, the Masuria Philarmonic, the Warmia Symphony Orchestra, the 'Pro Musica' Wrocław Artistic Agency, Resovia Philarmonic and Toruń Chamber Orchestra featuring  as the principal bassoonist. Since 1978 has been the soloist of the Warmia-Mazury Feliks Nowowiejski Philharmonic in Olsztyn. In the years 1978-1989 he worked in the 1st and 2nd degree State Music School in Olsztyn (teacher in the woodwind division), and in the years 1996-2005 he ran a bassoon class.

Chamber music has played an important role in his artistic activity. In 1980 he founded 'Trio stroikowe' (a reed instrument trio). In 1985-1990 he was a member of the 'Pro Musica' chamber ensemble and since 1998 he has cooperated with 'Pro Musica Antiqua'.

He performed as a soloist or chamber ensemble member in a dozen of countries worldwide (Italy, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, USA, China). He took part in music festivals at home and abroad. He has made numerous recordings featuring solo, chamber, symphonic and opera music. His artistic achievements include many premiere performances of, among others, J. W. Michl's B-flat Major Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra, M. Sewen's Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra da camera Op. 30; L. Marzewski's Capriccio for solo bassoon; M. Błażewicz's ...Morning Dew on Bare Feet; M. Sawa's Quadrivium; J. B. Lewandowski's The Forest of Life Cantata, Polish Overture.

So far his artistic activity has covered 26 solo concerts with orchestra, 88 recitals, 2217 chamber music concerts. He works as an academic at the Institute of Music in the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, a PhD habilitated holder since 2012, a recipient of numerous awards, distinctions and honorary mentions. In 1996 he was conferred an honorary order „Distinguished Culture Activist" and 2nd Degree Award of the Rector of UWM for achievements in the artistic field. In 1999 he received the Award of the Marshall of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship for the work to promote culture in Warmia and Mazury. In 2006 the artist received the Silver Cross of Merit and the Badge of St. James, the patron of Olsztyn, conferred by the Mayor of Olsztyn as recognition of achievements in the popularisation and promotion of culture in Olsztyn. In 2008 he received the 2nd Degree Award of the Rector of UWM for organisational activity. In 2012 he received the 2nd Degree Individual Award of the Rector of UWM for academic achievements and great service for the Faculty - Personality of the Year 2012. He was distinguished twice in the vote for the most popular academic teacher of UWM, Belfer 2009 and Belfer 2012.