Pianist Makowicz performs in Warsaw

The programme of the recital, which is to be released on CD as a live recording, includes jazz standards by George Gershwin and other composers, as well as Makowicz’s own new pieces.

Seventy-seven-year-old Makowicz started studying the piano at the age of ten, and six years later developed a passion for jazz.

He has performed with leading Polish jazz musicians as well as with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

In 1977 he settled in the United States, where he continued his career as a performer and composer. He has performed in the world’s most prestigious venues including the Carnegie Hall.

After the imposition of martial law in Poland in December 1981, Makowicz took part in a television programme entitled “Let Poland Be Poland”, organized at the initiative of President Ronald Reagan.

As a result he was not allowed to visit Poland until the collapse of communism in 1989. He now lives in Toronto and performs regularly in Poland.

Makowicz has recorded several dozen LPs and CDs. His compositional output includes works for chamber ensembles, over a hundred jazz pieces and music for short films.

(mk/pk)