dr hab. Krzysztof Michałek, prof. AMKP – HEAD
Graduated with distinction from the Academy of Music in Cracow with the degree in three subjects: choral conducting under the supervision of Professor Stanisław Krawczyński, church music with organ specialisation – first-degree qualifications under the supervision of Marek Wolak and in teaching theoretical subjects. He continued his education at post-master studies at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, the course of organ and organ improvisation under the supervision of Professor Julian Gembalski which he completed in 2010. In 2012 obtained a PhD and in 2019 defended his habilitation thesis in Arts – the conductorship. Attended numerous master and music courses and received many awards and recognitions as a conductor and choirmaster. Krzysztof Michałek gives concerts both, as a conductor and as an organist. He is the initiator of several music festivals and concert cycles in Poland. His artistic achievements comprise many CD recordings with organ and vocal-and-instrumental music. Krzysztof Michałek is a professor at the Academy of Music, and holds the position of the organist and conductor of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy and of St. Mary’s Basilica in Cracow. Founder and conductor of three music ensembles: Musica ex Anima Choir, Symphony Orchestra of the Basilica of the Divine Mercy in Cracow and of Cappella Marialis of St. Mary’s Basilica in Cracow. As a conductor he also gives concerts with other ensembles, such as the Górecki Chamber Choir which performs contemporary music and with Collegium Palestrinae performing early music (e.g. William Byrd’s and Orlando Gibbons’ monographic concerts). Since 2017 Krzysztof he has been the Assessor to the Minister of Culture and National Heritage specialising in pipe organ. His special interests are: sacred music, organ improvisation, organ construction and the music of the English Church.