Andrzej Klimczak, singer, co-founder of the Polish Royal Opera, who held the position of the institution's director from 2019 to 2024, passed away after a long illness.
On the Opera website, on January 3, 2025, the artists wrote, "He was a true man of the stage, an exceptional artist, whose performances in countless operas by Mozart, Rossini, Baroque works, and contemporary pieces will forever remain in the memory and hearts of music lovers. He will be remembered as a warm, direct person, with sharp wit, always deeply engaged in his work."
Andrzej Klimczak was a graduate of the Vocal and Acting Department of the Music Academy in Wrocław. Immediately after completing his studies in 1987, he became a soloist at the Warsaw Chamber Opera. On stages in Poland and abroad (including Spain, Japan, Lebanon, Israel, Oman), he performed over fifty roles, primarily leading bass-baritone parts, ranging from Baroque works to contemporary compositions. He was also a highly regarded interpreter of oratorios and vocal lyricism, and he was, among other distinctions, a laureate of the 2nd International Moniuszko Competition in Warsaw.
He was invited to participate in many prestigious festivals, including the Carinthian Summer (1995), KlangBogen Wien Mozart A-Z (1996), and the Madrid Music Festival (1994-6).
He was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit (2001) and the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2012) by the President of the Republic of Poland.
May he rest in peace...
