He was a soloist with the Polish National Opera for 26 years and a prizewinner of several prestigious international competitions, including those in Moscow, 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, Toulouse in France, and Geneva, Switzerland.
A graduate of the State Higher School of Music in Warsaw, Artysz also studied in Milan under the guidance of Maria Carbone-Rossini.
Alto Jadwiga Rappé told public broadcaster Polish Radio that Artysz “explored new avenues in vocal music throughout his life."
Speaking in an interview with Polish Radio 2, the public broadcaster’s music-and-arts station, Rappé said she remembered Artysz as a man "who never imitated formulaic patterns but had the courage to experiment."
Artysz’s vast operatic repertoire included lead baritone parts in works by composers such as Monteverdi, Verdi and Wagner to Krzysztof Penderecki. He also excelled in the song repertoire and was an indefatigable promoter of contemporary music, regularly appearing at the Warsaw Autumn Contemporary Music Festival and giving first performances of new music.
Foreign tours took Artysz across Europe, to the United States, Canada and Israel.
He served for many years as a professor at the Warsaw Music Academy and taught masterclasses and vocal courses in many countries. He is fondly remembers by his students, many of whom went on to develop fine international careers.
Artysz sat on the jury of leading international vocal competitions. His discography includes Los Improperios by 20th-century Spanish composer Federico Mompou, released by the Harmonia Mundi label.
(mk/gs)
