Adam Makowicz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Makowicz
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Adam Matyszkowicz |
| Born | 18 August 1940 Hnojník, Eastern Moravia, Nazi Germany |
| Genres | Jazz, classical piano |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 1965–present |
| Labels | Jaymz Bee |
Adam Makowicz (born Adam Matyszkowicz; 18 August 1940) is a talented Polish pianist and composer. He lives in Toronto, Canada. Adam Makowicz is famous for playing both jazz and classical piano music. He also creates his own musical pieces.
About Adam Makowicz
Adam Makowicz was born in a place called Hnojník. This area is now part of the Czech Republic. He was born during World War II, when the area was controlled by Nazi Germany. After the war, he grew up in Poland.
He first studied classical music at the Chopin Conservatory of Music in Kraków. But he soon fell in love with modern jazz music. This was a bit tricky because the government at the time didn't really like jazz. They preferred music that was more controlled.
Even with these challenges, Adam decided to become a jazz pianist. He worked very hard for many years. Eventually, he got a regular job playing at a small jazz club in Kraków. People in Poland loved his music. Readers of Jazz Forum magazine voted him the "Best jazz pianist." He even received a gold medal for his amazing contributions to art.
In 1977, Adam Makowicz went on a big concert tour in the United States. A famous music producer named John Hammond helped him. During this time, he recorded his first solo album called Adam. Later in 1977, he moved to New York City.
In the 1980s, Adam was not allowed to return to Poland. This was because the Polish government had put in place strict rules to stop a freedom movement called Solidarity. Adam joined many other artists to support the "Let Poland Be Poland" initiative. This initiative was led by Ronald Reagan, who was the President of the United States.
In the 2000s, Adam Makowicz moved to Toronto, Canada. He kept playing concerts and recording music. He has performed with many big symphony orchestras. These include the National Symphony Orchestra and performances at famous places like Carnegie Hall. He has played in major concert halls across America and Europe.
Adam has recorded over 30 albums. These albums feature jazz, popular, and classical music. He often creates his own versions of songs by famous composers. Some of these composers are Chopin, Gershwin, and Porter. He has also written and recorded his own piano songs.
Adam Makowicz helps connect different cultures through his music. He plays and records music that mixes different styles. For example, he has performed music by Chopin and Gershwin with the Warsaw Philharmonic and the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1999, he played a special concert for Chopin in Washington. His playing of classical pieces is known for being very skillful and creative.
Pianos Adam Makowicz Uses
Adam Makowicz has played many different types of pianos throughout his career. Here are some of the brands he has used:
- Bösendorfer pianos – He used these for some live shows and recordings.
- Steinway & Sons pianos – These are very common for his stage performances and solo concerts.
- Baldwin pianos – He used these for some shows in the USA.
- C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik pianos – He played these for performances and recordings in Europe.
- Bluthner pianos – He used these for some shows in Europe.
- Fazioli pianos – He played these for some performances.
- Rhodes electric piano – He used this for a live recording in Europe.
- Yamaha pianos – He used these for some performances and studio recordings.
