Piotr Szewczyk
Violin
Piotr Szewczyk comes from a musical family – his father played the French horn and his mother was a pianist and professor of music theory at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw.
What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you?
I’m also a full-time composer of solo, chamber and orchestral music. I’ve received many awards, commissions, and recordings. Jacksonville Symphony performed my works several times before. You can find out more on my website.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines?
Go for a walk.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
I would be a scientist, possibly an astronomer.
What teacher, mentor or other influencer inspired you the most?
Every single teacher that I had the opportunity to work with had significant influence on me in different ways, for which I’m very thankful, that’s why naming just one is not possible.
What do you do in your spare time?
Besides composing a lot of new music I read a lot of books, watch documentaries, take nature photos, listen to NPR and go for walks on the beach to catch sunrises as often as I can.
What has been your favorite moment on stage?
Experiencing a state of “flow” with other musicians while performing.
Do you have pets?
I love dogs and I hope to adopt one at some point.
Who is your favorite composer?
There are too many that are my favorites, but if I had to pick the most influential on me and my own music it would be John Adams.
Education
Doctor of Music, Florida State University
Master of Music (double major in violin and composition)
Bachelor of Music, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music