Karol Kowal

A member of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Previously he was appointed as the Assistant Principal Double Bassist of the Kalisz Philharmonic. Outside his orchestra position, Karol Kowal is active as soloist and chamber musician. He has given number of recitals in Poland and abroad, including appearances during International Society of Bassists Conventions in the United States. His experience includes performances as a guest soloist with Philharmonic Orchestras in Kalisz, Wałbrzych and Olsztyn, World Bass Festival Orchestra in Wrocław, Polish Chamber Orchestra “Sotto Voce” as well as the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra.

Karol Kowal was awarded on several international competitions. In 2003 he won third prize and Special Award for the Best Performance of Required Piece at the ISB Double Bass Performance Competition / Solo Division (Richmond, Virginia). Two years later he received second prize at the same competition (Kalamazoo, Michigan). In 2004 he was awarded honorable mention at the III International Johann-Matthias-Sperger Competition for Double Bass in Ludwigslust, Germany. He was also the winner of 2008 Wanda L. Bass School of Music Concerto Competition.

He graduated with distinction from the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, Poland, and received his Master of Music degree from the Oklahoma City University, USA. His teachers include Radosław Maniak, Irena Olkiewicz and John Schimek. Especially devoted to the contemporary music, Karol Kowal has premiered new works written for him by composers such as Katarzyna Brochocka, Grzegorz Wierzba and Edward Knight.