Events

Future Classics Scholars Gala Concert

An evening celebrating Polish classical music, featuring performances by the fifteen recipients of the inaugural Future Classics Scholarship Program.

The Pilecki Institute New York is pleased to host the Future Classics Scholars Gala Concert, bringing together the fifteen recipients of the inaugural Future Classics Scholarship Program for an evening celebrating the richness of Polish classical music. The concert will showcase exceptionally talented young Polish instrumentalists and vocalists who are shaping the future of Polish classical music through their artistry, ambition, and international aspirations. Audiences will hear works by Polish composers performed by some of the country’s most promising emerging musicians.

Future Classics: Supporting Talent, Vision, and Ambition

Future Classics is a scholarship and professional development program for outstanding Polish instrumentalists and vocalists between the ages of 18 and 25 who are pursuing musical studies in Poland and abroad.

The program prepares young musicians for international careers by combining financial support with artistic mentorship, career planning, communications training, and performance opportunities in Warsaw and New York. Participants also receive communications training from 21C Media Group, a New York-based agency specializing in strategic communications for artists and leading classical music institutions.

What distinguishes Future Classics is its holistic approach. In addition to exceptional musical ability, the program seeks artists who demonstrate a clear artistic vision, professional maturity, and the ambition to represent Poland on the world’s leading concert stages.

Fifteen Scholars Selected from 343 Applicants

The inaugural edition of Future Classics attracted 343 applications from young Polish musicians studying in Poland and abroad.

The selection process consisted of two rounds. In the first round, applicants were evaluated not only on their artistic achievements but also on their personal vision, career goals, and professional development plans; 48 candidates advanced to the second round. An international jury then reviewed the submitted performance recordings and selected fifteen scholarship recipients distinguished by exceptional musical excellence, artistic maturity, and a compelling vision for their future careers.

Future Classics Scholars

The following artists will perform at the Pilecki Institute in New York:

• Emilia Bałaga – soprano
• Maria Flader – percussion (marimba)
• Tomasz Kłeczek – piano and harpsichord
• Filip Krzeszowiec – cello
• Julia Łozowska – piano
• Leon Łunkiewicz – clarinet
• Julia Majewska – violin
• Antonina Musioł – violin
• Piotr Olesz – cello
• Zuzanna Sejbuk – piano
• Sandra Siudak – flute
• Michał Skibiński – violin
• Krzysztof Wierciński – piano
• Tobiasz Włodarczyk – accordion
• Mikołaj Woźniak – piano

The performers will be accompanied by pianist Piotr Kozłowski.

Program

The concert will feature works by Polish composers performed by the Future Classics scholarship recipients.

ProPolish National Foundation: Creator of the Programgram

Future Classics was established by the Polish National Foundation (Polska FundacjaNarodowa), an organization dedicated to promoting Poland, its culture, history, and national heritage around the world. The Foundation supports educational, artistic, and professional development initiatives while advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence within Poland’s creative sectors. Through Future Classics, the Foundation is investing in young musicians who have the potential to represent Poland on the world’s most prestigious stages for years to come. Their achievements, personal stories, and international careers have the potential to become authentic and enduring ambassadors of Poland’s cultural identity.

Julian Cochran Foundation: Developing the Next Generation of Artists

The program’s educational partner is the Julian Cochran Foundation, a Warsaw-based nonprofit organization that has supported the development of classical music culture in Poland since 2016. The Foundation helps emerging classical musicians navigate the critical transition from formal education to professional artistic careers through scholarship programs, educational initiatives, concerts, mentoring, career development, networking opportunities, and long-term professional planning.

The Foundation also organizes free musical and educational events for children and adults, often in unconventional community settings beyond traditional concert venues, helping to expand access to classical music, cultivate new audiences, and break down barriers to cultural participation.