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BIOGRAPHY
"A tour de force of transcendental pianism showed the other side of this young pianist in Bacewicz’s monumental 2nd Sonata of 1953.
A virtuoso performance not only for the keyboard command but for the amazing kaleidoscope of sounds that he could find in this rather dry acoustic." (Recital at Steinway Hall in London)
Filip Michalak, an outstanding Danish/Polish classical pianist, has emerged as a luminary on the Scandinavian music landscape, earning acclaim across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. His musical journey is marked by prestigious accolades, including winning the “Stars at Tenerife” competition in Spain and securing top prizes in Denmark, such as the “Nordjyllands Talentkonkurrence” and multiple awards at the “Steinway Festival.”
Michalak’s prowess was unmistakably displayed in 2017, achieving finalist status in the “8th Nordic Piano Competition” and advancing to the semi-finals of the “St. Priest International Piano Competition” in France. His exceptional skills earned him the “Chopin Prize Competition” at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where he also shone as a finalist in the esteemed Gold Medal Competition. His international recognition grew with his acceptance into the Leeds International Piano Competition and a nomination for the Vendome Prize in New York in 2021.
Through his association with The Keyboard Charitable Trust in London, Michalak has delivered memorable performances in illustrious venues across London, Frankfurt, Florence, and Rome. As a soloist, he has dazzled audiences with Beethoven’s 5th Piano Concerto and Chopin’s 2nd Piano Concerto, showcasing his exceptional interpretative skills. His eagerly anticipated USA tour in March 2024 will feature solo recitals and a performance of Brahms’ 1st Piano Concerto with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra.
Michalak’s presence at high-profile festivals, including the Duszniki International Chopin Festival in Poland and the Helsingborg Piano Festival in Sweden, continues to enchant music lovers globally. His upcoming engagements include performances of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 and Brahms’ Piano Quintet at the Elmore Chamber Music Festival in August 2024. An accomplished chamber musician, Michalak’s collaborations span diverse ensembles, and his vision as Artistic Director has significantly influenced the Södertälje Chamber Music Festival in Sweden. He is also the driving force behind the inaugural Aalborg Chamber Music Festival in September 2024. Michalak’s formidable technique and artistry have been shaped by rigorous training under distinguished mentors worldwide.
Starting his formal education at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen under Prof. Niklas Sivelöv, he later studied with Prof. Julia Mustonen-Dahlkvist at Ingesund Musikhögskolan in Sweden and at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Completing his Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester with Prof. Graham Scott, he returned to Sweden to study with Prof. Mustonen-Dahlkvist as an Artist in Residence at the Ingesund Piano Center.
Participating in the “Gabriela Montero Piano Lab” 2022-2023 under the guidance of the esteemed pianist Gabriela Montero has further enriched his musical perspective. Now flourishing in a vibrant freelance career, Michalak continues to captivate global audiences with his dynamic performances, infused with a deep passion and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence.