The concerts of the Artist Residency Series are the culmination of the participation of tomorrow’s music stars- young and brilliant pianists who come to the festival to work with the artist faculty of Porto Pianofest and prepare for tours, recordings, important concerts, and to make their art known to the world. Six pianists are chosen, from all continents, to perform in a solo recital and share their unique musical ideas with our welcoming audience in Porto.

This single ticket includes entrance to the full day of Artist Residency Concerts for August 7th, with recitals at 18h00 and 19h30. Join us for one concert that evening, or both!

Cezary Karwowski has earned numerous accolades in national and international competitions, including first prize at the National MTNA Young Artist Competition (2022), second prize at the 10th International Seattle Piano Competition (2024), a special prize for best performance of a Chopin Etude at the 11th Bösendorfer Piano Competition in Arizona (2025). Mr. Karwowski is known for his versatile pianistic career, which features a wide range of artistic and scholarly achievements.  In 2023, Cezary was recognized by the Polish National Ministry of Culture and Heritage for his achievements and received the prestigious “Young Poland” scholarship, which enabled him to purchase his own grand piano.
————

Program Note from the Artist:

This recital explores the rich yet often overlooked world of Polish piano music through a collection of miniatures and larger works inspired by Poland's rich musical heritage. Alongside beloved masterpieces by Frédéric Chopin are elegant character pieces by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the rarely heard mazurkas of Ignaz Friedman, and Franz Liszt's brilliant transcriptions of Chopin's Polish Songs. Together, these works offer a survey of the remarkable variety found within the Polish piano tradition - from lyrical and deeply expressive stylized dances to virtuosic and flashy concert pieces. The program culminates in Chopin's monumental Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49, one of his most profound and imaginative creations. As a Polish pianist, I feel a special connection to this repertoire and hope this recital introduces audiences to both beloved masterpieces and lesser-known gems that deserve to be heard more often.