Grzegorz Duchnowski
Grzegorz Duchnowski studied composition under Sławomir Kaczorowski and Krzysztof Knittel in the G. & K. Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź.
He is a laureate of many composers’ competitions, obtaining, among others – in 2002: honourable mention in the 44th T. Baird Composers’ Competition, in 2005: 3rd prize in the Silesian Composers’ Forum and 2nd prize and honourable mention in the 46th T. Baird Composers’ Competition, in 2006: 4th prize in the 10th K. Serocki International Composers’ Competition, 3rd prize in the G. Bacewicz International Composers’ Competition and 2nd prize (1st prize was not awarded) in the Kościuszko Foundation Composers’ Competition in New York, in 2008: 2nd prize (ex aequo, 1st prize was not awarded) for Akwarele [Watercolours] for alto saxophone, vibraphone, harp, piano and string quartet (2007) in the Reinl-Preis 2008 International Composers’ Competition in Vienna and 2nd prize (1st prize was not awarded) for Apollo i Marsjasz [Apollo and Marsyas] for oboe, harp and string quintet (2008) in the Probaltica 2008 Composers’ Competition and in 2009 – 2nd prize in the 3rd G. Bacewicz International Composers’ Competition for Kolory przestrzeni [Colours of Space] for orchestra.
In 2008 and 2009 the composer was nominated for the “Opus” Public Media Prize. He also received ZAIKS Association scholarships in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
In 2009 and 2012 Grzegorz Duchnowski was involved in the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage educational project for primary and secondary music schools.
His works have been performed at festivals and concerts of contemporary music – Musica Polonica Nova, Musica Moderna, Silesian Composers’ Forum, Generacje, Świętokrzyskie Music Days, Warsaw Music Meetings, the International Organ and Chamber Music Festival – a cycle of concerts organised by the Polish Composers’ Union Pory Roku [The Seasons], Portrety [Portaits] and at the For Haiti charity concert. His music has been performed by the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Świętokrzyska Philharmonic, the Orchestra of the Łódź Philharmonic, Sinfonia Iuventus, Spectra Ensemble, Royal String Quartet, Verdehr Trio, Kwartludium, Multicamerata and the Tonkünstler-Ensemble.
The composer’s works were broadcast on Polish Radio and WRC Radio – New York.
Grzegorz Duchnowski is a member of the Polish Composers’ Union (ZKP), the Polish Contemporary Music Society (PTMW) and of the ZAIKS Association.
List of works: Rytmy i kolory nr 1, 2 [Rhythms and Colours 1, 2] for orchestra (2005-2006), Akwarydy for saxophone and orchestra (2006), Stereometria [Stereometry] for string orchestra and synthesizer (2006), Symphony No. 3 for orchestra (2007), Symphony No. 4 for orchestra (2009), Kolory przestrzeni [Colours of Space] for orchestra (2008), Music of fractal for piano and string orchestra (2009), Wariacje na temat jednego dźwięku [Variations on a Theme of One Sound] for clarinet and string orchestra (2011), Music of the Spheres for piano and string orchestra (2011). Works for voice and instruments: Magnificat for mixed choir and organ (2000), Missa Pro Peccatis Mundi for soprano, mixed choir and orchestra (2004), Symphony No. 1 “Songs” for mixed choir and orchestra (2004), Symphony No. 2 “The Song of the End of the World” for soprano and orchestra (2007), Symphony No. 5 “Three Studies in Singing” for soprano and orchestra (2010), Gloria for mixed choir and orchestra (2012), Lśnienie [The Shining] for clarinet, violin and accordion (2001), Quartetto Concertante for clarinet, violin, vibraphone and piano (2003), Akwarele [Watercolours] for alto saxophone, vibraphone, harp, piano and string quartet (2003), Narzędzie ze światła [Tool of Light] for violin, clarinet, vibraphone and accordion (2004), Minerały nr 1 [Minerals No. 1] for clarinet and piano (2004),Minerały nr 2 [Minerals No. 2] for clarinet, piano and percussion (2005), Izotopy nr 1 [Isotopes No. 1] for cello and piano (2005), Izotopy nr 2 [Isotopes No. 2] for cello, harp, piano and percussion (2006), String Quartet (2006),Take Four for flute, clarinet, cello and piano (2006), Music for 3 x 3 + 1 for 3 groups of instruments and piano (2006), Radianty for solo accordion, woodwind and brass ensemble and percussion (2006), Apollo i Marsjasz [Apollo and Marsyas] for oboe, harp and string quintet (2008). Others: Vere Tu Es Deus, a cycle of 4 songs for mixed choir (2000), Three Songs for soprano and piano (2012), Ósmy dzień tygodnia [Eighth Day of the Week] for saxophone and tape (2002), Annapurna 8091 for tape (2002), Konstelacje [Constellations] for flute, oboe, clarinet, percussion and tape (2008), Crucifixus for reciting voice and tape (2011), Piano Concerto for piano and tape (2012).
