Witold Rowicki

Witold Rowicki (1914-1989), conductor, violinist and composer, was probably the most influential musician in Poland in the second half of the 20th century.

After World War II, he was a key figure in the rebuilding of Polish musical life, first of all forming the Polish Radio Orchestra in Katowice in 1945, and then re-forming the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Warsaw in 1950. He did much to bring about the rebuilding of the Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw and developed the Warsaw Philharmonic into arguably the best orchestra in Poland.

He toured widely as a guest conductor, and championed many leading Polish composers, notably Karol Szymanowski. His own works include symphonies, chamber music and songs.