Marek Gandecki

Marek Gandecki is Professor of Musical Arts at Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, serving as Head of the Department of Choral Conducting and member of the University Council. Previously held roles as vice-dean of the Faculty of Choral Conducting, Music Education and Church Music, and director of the Institute of Conducting (2018-2019).

Graduate of Poznan Academy of Music in Professor Janusz Dzięcioł's conducting class. His artistic discipline centers on choral conducting with specialization in choral conducting techniques and performance practices.

Professor Gandecki's research manifests through innovative choral leadership and pedagogical methodologies, significantly influencing contemporary choral performance standards across Europe. His work bridges artistic excellence with academic rigor in music education.

Major honors include:

• Winner of 4th National Competition of Choral Conductors in Poznan (1992)
• Grand Prix 'Rubinowej Lutni' (Legnica Cantat 2015)
• Grand Prix Grieg International Choir Festival (Bergen 2016)
• Distinction at Grand Prix of Polish Choral Art (Poznan 2018)
• Grand Prix Sligo International Choral Festival (2008)
• Grand Prix 'Praga Cantat' (2011)
• Multiple individual awards for best conductor

As primary advisor, he has mentored seven award-winning students in the National Competition of Choral Conductors, including first-place laureates Laura Stieler (2014) and Bartłomiej Witczak (2018). He serves as promoter and reviewer for doctoral and habilitation theses while leading the Paderewski Chamber Choir, Chamber Choir 'Musica Viva', and previously founded the 'Castellum Cantans' Choir of Kornik Castle (1999-2013). His leadership extends to conducting workshops for top international corporations through Bernard Brunhes Polska on team management and creative leadership.