Born in Warsaw in 1971, Maciej Żółtowski has emerged as a luminary in the realm of contemporary music, with a profound passion for compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries. As a distinguished composer himself, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the music he conducts, which has forged strong ties with both the contemporary music scene and some of the finest soloists of our time. Currently based in upstate New York, Maestro Żółtowski proudly holds the esteemed position of Artistic Director of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra.

His musical journey has been punctuated by collaborations with numerous symphony orchestras in Poland, including the National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio in Katowice, the Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw, the Polish Orchestra Jeunesses Musicales, Beethoven Academy Orchestra, and Poznan Philharmonic, to name a few. His baton has also enraptured audiences across the globe, gracing the stages of prestigious concert halls in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Some of his most celebrated engagements include electrifying performances in Berlin, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Athens and Mexico City.

Maestro Żółtowski’s artistic endeavors extend beyond the conductor’s podium. As a composer, his works have resonated during various renowned festivals, including the Two Days and Two Nights in Odessa (Ukraine), Europe-Asia festival in Kazan (Tatarstan-Russia), and the World Music Days 2002 in Hong Kong, among others.

Maciej Żółtowski’s academic pursuits have been nothing short of exceptional. He commenced his musical odyssey by studying violin at the distinguished F. Chopin and J. Elsner Music Schools in Warsaw. Excelling in his craft, he earned his diploma in violin performance with distinction before continuing his education at the F. Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. It was here that he attained his M.A. diplomas in composition and conducting, under the tutelage of esteemed professors Marian Borkowski and Ryszard Dudek.

Throughout his artistic pilgrimage, Maestro Żółtowski honed his skills under the guidance of eminent artists such as Yuri Simonov, Zoltán Pesko, Lászlo Tihanyi, and Gianluigi Gelmetti, enhancing his prowess as a conductor and composer.

His artistic achievements have been widely recognized, earning him scholarships from the Polish Ministry of Culture, the Tadeusz Baird scholarship, the fellowship of the German Stiftung Kulturfonds in Künstlerhaus Schloss Wiepersdorf, and the prestigious scholarship for young conductors from the Japanese Music Foundation JESC. He has also been a finalist in the Toru Takemitsu Composition Award (Tokyo) and won the first composers’ competition held by the Musica Sacra Society in Warsaw. In 2002, he was honored with the Silver Order of Merit by the President of the Republic of Poland, and in 2017, he received the Bronze Medal “Gloria Artis” for his invaluable contributions to culture from the Polish Minister for Culture and National Heritage.

With an illustrious career spanning various Polish music institutions, including the Polish Composers’ Union and Jeunesses Musicales Poland, Maestro Żółtowski has been the President of the ISCM (International Society for Contemporary Music) Polish Section since 2010. In 2002, he was appointed as the artistic director and conductor of the Cyprus State Orchestra, elevating the ensemble to unparalleled artistic heights. Under his baton, the orchestra embarked on numerous international tours, captivating audiences in cities like London, Copenhagen, Paris, and Athens. Throughout his tenure, Maestro Żółtowski has conducted over 80 concerts, operas, and ballet productions in Cyprus alone. From 2007 to 2017, he served as the Managing and Artistic Director of the Radom Chamber Orchestra (ROK) in Poland, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional conductor.

The symphony of Maestro Żółtowski’s discography showcases remarkable collaborations and exceptional artistry. His recordings for The Steinway Club Cyprus, featuring Rachmaninov’s Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 3 with Dimitris Sgouros, and a world premiere recording of Savvas Savva’s “Concerto for 10 Pianos and Orchestra,” are testaments to his dedication to innovative musical expressions. Other notable CDs include the Radom Chamber Orchestra’s “Grażyna Bacewicz – Works for Chamber Orchestra” vol. I and II, lauded by the international press and recognized with nominations for prestigious awards (French Diapason, Spanish Scherzo, International Classical Music Awards – ICMA). His most recent CD “Krzysztof Penderecki – Works for String Orchestra” has been released by DUX on the occasion of the composer’s 80th anniversary and included in the prestigious “Penderecki Special Edition”.

A beacon of brilliance in the world of music, Maciej Żółtowski’s unwavering commitment to the arts, coupled with his profound understanding of contemporary compositions, has earned him an indelible place in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. With his visionary approach and exceptional talents, he continues to enrich the world of music, leaving an indomitable legacy for generations to come.