Leszek Sokołowski

Leszek Sokołowski is a Professor of Double Bass at the Faculty of Instrumental and Pedagogical Studies, Białystok Branch of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. He is also a first-voice double bassist at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic and a teacher at the Music School Complex in Białystok. Previously, he served as Vice-Dean of the Instrumental and Pedagogical Faculty at the Białystok campus from 2008–2012.

• Education: Graduated from the Białystok Branch of the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw (1985) under Professor Andrzej Mysiński; further studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg with Professor Klaus Stoll.

Sokołowski’s career spans performance, pedagogy, and orchestral leadership. His expertise in double bass education is evidenced by his students’ successes, including prizes at national competitions in Poland and placements in prestigious ensembles like the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the European Union Youth Orchestra. He founded and directs the Sinfonia Academica chamber orchestra, contributing to cultural initiatives through workshops in Vilnius, Łańcut, Olsztyn, and Janowiec.

• Prominent Students: Robert Zadykowicz (3rd prize, National Auditions in Elbląg), Kamil Łomasko (1st prize, National Double Bass Competition in Łódź), Krzysztof Sokołowski (multiple distinctions), Franciszek Słomka (2nd place, Łódź auditions), Bartosz Sikorski (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra).

As a performer, he collaborates with renowned ensembles such as the CAMERATA Quartet, Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot, and Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Warsaw. His pedagogical and artistic activities bridge academia and professional orchestral practice.