Jarosław Augustyniak

Polish-born Jarosław (Jarek) Augustyniak graduated with distinction from the Academy of Music in Łódź, Poland. He was a laureate in the XXI Competition of Young Instrumentalists in Włoszakowice and he furthered his studies under the guidance of Vincenzo Menghini, RAI Turin.

Jarek was principal bassoonist with the Basque National Orchestra, Nova Filarmonia Portuguesa, Łódź Opera Symphony Orchestra and the Warsaw National Philharmonic. Since 2004 he has been Principal Bassoon of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Not only established in the British music scene, he is also regularly invited as a guest principal to all major ensembles both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Jarek has also fostered an active international solo career.

As a full-time orchestral bassoonist with over 30 years’ experience and a passion for teaching, Jarek has been organizing yearly summer woodwind courses in Poland which has transformed into an online education platform Ventus Optimus, attracting students and teachers from all over the world. This kind of projects are close to Jarek’s heart as he is passionate about mentoring and sharing his extensive knowledge, skills and experience of the bassoon.

He is regularly invited to give master classes in the United Kingdom, numerous countries in Europe, Japan and was recently invited to the USA and Canada.

His recordings include solo bassoon on the Anri Sala film 1395 Days Without Red, a CD with the Basque National Orchestra, Quintillion Ensemble and several recordings as a soloist and chamber musician for BBC Radio 3 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales including Weber - Andante and Rondo, concertos by Haydn, Jolivet and Panufnik.