classical pianist & composer
ANDRZEJ KOZŁOWSKI
Andrzej Kozłowski was born in Gdynia, Poland, a country with a deep and rich musical tradition, particularly in the works of composers such as Fryderyk Chopin, Karol Szymanowski, and Ignacy Jan Paderewski. In 1992, he and his family emigrated to the United States, where he would later cultivate his passion for music and the piano.
Kozłowski’s first encounter with the instrument came at the age of 11, when, inspired by the legacy of the Chopin Nocturnes, he boldly declared to his father that he would become “the next Paderewski.” His innate musical abilities soon became evident when his father observed his remarkable facility with the piano, his ability to learn music rapidly, and his intuitive grasp of the instrument’s polyphonic nature. This early realization set him on a dedicated path to mastering the piano.
To formally develop his gift, Kozłowski studied early on with Vladimir Polezhayev and then continued his education under the renowned pianist Zaven Khatchadourian, studying with him until Khatchadourian's sudden passing in 2003. Following this loss, he continued his education with Dr. AeRee Kim, a direct descendant of the Rachmaninoff school who had studied with the late Dr. Ruth Slenczynska, one of Sergei Rachmaninoff's great protégés. Kozłowski then went on to refine his craft at the prestigious Juilliard School, studying under the tutelage of Dr. Emanuel Ax.
However, despite his talent, world-class training, and deep connection to music, Kozłowski made the life-altering decision to walk away from it completely. For seven years, he did not touch the piano at all, distancing himself from the world of music. What had once been a source of inspiration and self-expression became something he left behind. It wasn’t until 11 years had passed that he returned to music professionally, rekindling the passion that had once defined his artistic identity.
Since his return, Andrzej Kozłowski has devoted himself to the music of Fryderyk Chopin, embracing the emotional depth, technical brilliance, and poetic expressiveness of the composer’s works. His interpretations are often described as deeply sentimental and infused with a spontaneous energy that reflects his own life experiences. His years away from the piano have shaped his approach, adding layers of introspection and storytelling to his performances. He approaches Chopin’s music not merely as a performer but as a narrator of his own journey, bringing a unique, cinematic, and programmatic quality to his playing.
His triumphant return to the musical world eventually expanded beyond the stage. In 2022, Kozłowski founded and directed the Sound Conservatory. Under his leadership, it rapidly grew to become one of the Midwest's largest music academies and a premier piano and instrument retailer. The Conservatory also became widely known for its Concert Series, hosted in its own "Mini Carnegie Hall"—a fitting venue, given that the business resided in a beautifully preserved former Carnegie Library built in 1903.
With a reputation for artistry that merges virtuosity with deep emotional insight, Kozłowski continues to perform and share his passion for Polish classical music, offering audiences a compelling and deeply personal connection to one of the greatest composers in history. His return to the piano is not just a revival of his career but a testament to the enduring power of music to call one back, no matter how far one has strayed.
