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Apolinary KatskiPolish Russian violinist, composer and teacher
Date of Birth: 23.10.1825
Country:  Poland |
Content:
Early Life and Training
Apolinary Kontsky was born into a musical family in Warsaw, Poland. His brother Stanisław became a violinist, while his brothers Antoni and Karol were pianists. At the tender age of four, Apolinary began violin lessons with his father, Grzegorz (Gregory) Kontsky. By age five, he performed for the imperial court in St. Petersburg, playing a concerto by Pierre Rode.
Years in Paris
From 1836 to 1849, Kontsky resided in Paris, where he studied under the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini. He honed his skills and performed in various European capitals alongside his siblings and sister Wanda. Notably, he graced the stage at Queen Victoria's coronation in London in 1837.
Success and Soloist Status
By 1849, Kontsky had returned to his homeland and performed in Kraków and Warsaw. In 1852, he became a soloist with the Imperial Theaters in St. Petersburg, succeeding Henri Vieuxtemps. Kontsky also actively engaged in chamber music, collaborating with renowned musicians such as Anton Rubinstein, Theodor Leschetizky, and Alexander Dargomyzhsky.
Return to Warsaw and Legacy
In the late 1850s, Kontsky returned to Warsaw. On January 26, 1861, he founded the Warsaw Conservatory and became a violin professor. Among his notable students was Tymothy Adamowski. Kontsky dedicated his later years to teaching and left an enduring legacy as a musician and educator.
