"He was one of the most outstanding interpreters of Fryderyk Chopin's music, a laureate of the International Chopin Competition, and a highly respected musician on stages worldwide. His extraordinary talent and passion for music left a lasting mark on the world of music," the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage said in a condolence message shared on social media.
"He will be remembered as an irreplaceable artist whose piano playing touched hearts and souls," the statement added.
Janusz Olejniczak, the youngest laureate of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 1970, also received recognition at the International Alfredo Casella Competition in Naples.
He has performed worldwide and served as a juror in numerous piano competitions, while leading masterclasses across Europe, Canada, Japan, and Colombia.
Known for his performances of Chopin's music on historical instruments, Olejniczak contributed to film soundtracks, including "Chopin: Desire for Love" and "The Pianist," and acted in Andrzej Żuławski's film "The Blue Note."
Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska has more.
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Source: IAR/PAP/PR2/MKiDN
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