Inaugural concert Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Urbaniak

Starting October 1st, Krzysztof Urbaniak will join the University of the Arts (HfK) Bremen as the new Professor of Historical Organ. This endowed professorship, generously funded by the Karin and Uwe Hollweg Foundation, not only supports the students at the University of the Arts but also enriches the cultural fabric of Bremen. Urbaniak's expertise can be experienced live on August 23rd, when he performs at the Musikfest Bremen.

"We are proud and happy that Krzysztof Urbaniak will be joining our university. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the development of our organ department with our Arp Schnitger Master for Historical Church Music, the organ landscape and the broader musical culture in our region," said Prof. Dr. Mirjam Boggasch, Rector of the University of the Arts Bremen. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Karin and Uwe Hollweg Foundation for making this possible."

The inaugural concert will take place on November 5, 2024 at 6 pm in the Waller Kirche (Lange Reihe) in Bremen. Get to know our new Endowed Professor of Historical Organ in person when he plays selected organ works for you. 

 

Programme

Johann Ulrich Steigleder

Fantasia, or Fugen Manier [4 Vocum]
from: Tabulatur Buch Darinnen daß Vatter unser, 1627

Diomedes Cato

Fantasia Chromatica

Paul Siefert [attributed]

Toccata [in F]
from: MS Wien, Minoritenkonvent XIV.714

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

Fantasia cromatica SwWV 258

Johann Ulrich Steigleder
Ricercar in E
from: Ricercar Tabulatura, 1624

Tarquinio Merula
Capriccio cromatico

Johann Ulrich Steigleder
The 40th and last variation: in the manner of a toccata [4 voices]
from: Tabulatur Buch Darinnen daß Vatter unser, 1627

The programme delves into the artist's background, featuring works by Johann Ulrich Steigleder from Stuttgart, where Urbaniak spent several formative years. Highlighting northern European influences, it includes a fantasy by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, known as the ‘Orpheus of Amsterdam,’ alongside a composition by his student Paul Siefert from Danzig. Siefert, who spent time at the court of Sigismund III Vasa in Warsaw, was likely acquainted with musicians of the royal chapel, such as the organist Tarquinio Merula and lutenist Diomedes Cato. The wealth of compositional ideas and the variety of styles and personalities of individual musicians in this circle undoubtedly contributed to the good reputation that the chapel – which no longer existed at the time – still enjoyed in the 18th century.

Born in 1984, Krzysztof Urbaniak studied organ and harpsichord in Warsaw and Stuttgart, earning his doctorate at the Academy of Music in Krakow. A recipient of numerous scholarships and awards at international organ competitions, Urbaniak has performed across Europe and Asia. His acclaimed CD recordings, such as "Danziger Barock" (2014), "Retrospection" (2015), and "The Renaissance Organ of Olkusz" (2019), have received high praise from critics.

Urbaniak has held professorships at the State Academy of Music in Łódź and taught at the Academy of Music in Krakow, as well as in masterclasses around the globe. He serves as a jury member for organ competitions and is internationally recognized as an expert on historical organs. Now, he looks forward to bringing his passion and expertise to Bremen.

"The concept of a 'historical organ' encompasses both tangible and intangible cultural heritage," Urbaniak explained. "One of the core objectives of organ education is not just to deepen historical understanding but also to inspire a love for the instrument's potential and to impart the skills needed to bring its sounds to life. Bremen’s historic organ landscape, to which I feel closely connected through the Arp Schnitger Competition, offers a unique setting to achieve this," said Urbaniak.

Krzysztof Urbaniak has extensively studied the works of Gdansk organ builder Andreas Hildebrandt, the evolution of the Schnitger school in the 18th century, and the craftsmanship of the Nitrowski and Brandtner organ building families. His interests particularly lie in the cross-border connections between European organ-building traditions. As a recognized expert in the preservation of historical organs, Urbaniak advises on restoration projects across Europe. He also serves as a jury member at prestigious organ competitions, including those in Alkmaar, Lübeck, Freiberg, and Musashino. Urbaniak has been the longtime curator of the organs at the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic in Łódź and is currently the artistic director of organ festivals on the historic Andreas Hildebrandt organ (1719) in Pasłęk and the Renaissance organ (1631) in Olkusz, which, since 2023, is part of ECHO—European Cities of Historic Organs. Additionally, he is a board member of the Baltic Organ Centre e.V. in Stralsund.