Mr Janusz Florczyk accepts a bouquet as a note of appreciation from the University and the Poland Emabssy.

Kuala Lumpur, 07 Mar, 2011 - UCSI University’s School of Music together with the Student Affairs Office jointly organised a Polish Piano Guest Recital by Polish pianist, Mr Janusz Florczyk. The event was graced by the Deputy Head of Mission/Counsellor from the Polish Embassy, Ms Katarzyna Wilkowiecka and the First Secretary, Mr Robert Andrzejczyk. Florczyk performed several Polish classical pieces to an appreciative audience of close to 200 people. UCSI University is Florczyk’s third stop in his first tour of Asia before returning to Poland later this week. 

During his recital, the 31 year-old Florczyk performed pieces from the famous Polish composer, Frederic Chopin, as well as works by Karol Szymanowski, Artur Malawski and Marcin Dominik Gluch. The pieces played during the recital were meant to highlight the many great music composers from Poland and their distinct style, compared to pieces from other parts of Europe. The recital also serves to educate the University’s music students on how a native would interpret Polish music pieces. 

A pianist, chamber musician, as well as an art manager, Florczyk has been playing the piano since the tender age of 5 and had his first concert at 6. A graduate from the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Florczyk was also the first prize winner of the pianist competition in Kiev-Vorzel, as well as the winner of the 2nd edition of the Ministry of Culture’s “Mloda Polska” scholarship. He is also the initiator and Artistic Director of the International Young Art Festival in Belchatów. When asked for his advice to budding young musicians on building a successful musical career, he says it would depend on what motivates them. “The money is not much, but I believe if you have the passion for it, it will definitely sustain you.” 

UCSI University’s School of Music regularly organizes guest recitals and master-classes for its music students, as well as to the general public. According to the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Music, Social Sciences and Design, Associate Professor Dr P’ng Tean Hwa, these musical events enrich students’ experience. “By inviting world renowned musicians to the University, we are also bringing the world to the students. They are able to experience the different techniques and different types of music without having to travel far. A major supporter of the arts, sponsoring a venue for musicians is just one way the University demonstrates this. We always look forward to providing a platform for artists and musicians to express themselves, while also exposing new repertoire.”