Małgorzata Walewska

Artistic Director of the Festival and Competition, Chairperson of the Jury, singer
Dramatic mezzo-soprano. Is one of the most acclaimed Polish opera singers. In 1994 she graduated with honors from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw under the tutelage of Professor Halina Słonicka. She is a prize winner and finalist of many international competitions, including Alfredo Kraus, Luciano Pavarotti, Stanisław Moniuszko and Belvedere. Already during her studies, in 1991, she made her operatic debut at the Polish National Opera performing the role of Aza in Paderewski's "Manru". In her 30-year career, she has collaborated with many world-famous conductors and has headlined in over 30 opera houses in the world, including: Teatro Real in Madrid, Covent Garden in London, Metropolitan Opera in New York, Semperoper Dresden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in Lisbon, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, Washington National Opera, Baltimore Opera or Herodion Theatre in Athens. Małgorzata Walewska's showcase roles include Carmen, Amneris, Azucena, Dalila, Eboli, Ulrica, Kundry or Santuzza. In 2014, the artist was nominated Artistic Director of the Ada Sari International Festival and Vocal Artistry Competition held in Nowy Sącz. In 2016, Małgorzata Walewska has received the Gloria Artis Gold Medal by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, highlighting her outstanding contribution to Polish culture.