Piotr Wiśniewski
Vocal Coach - Opera
Teaching Philosophy
As a Head of Music Staff at a US opera house, I try to bring a professional perspective to the young candidates trying to enter the opera business. In today’s competitive operatic world I try to bring to students’ attention the extraordinary level of preparation required to be considered for a resident artist programs or main stage roles.
My work focuses on aiming for excellence in music preparation, language/diction deliveries and artistry in a variety of musical styles.
The strongest weapon the singer possesses is his or her unique and exceptional tone which I help to nourish and develop through special attention in the delivery of musical text.
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Pianist Piotr Wiśniewski, born in Poland first made his debut playing the Ravel Piano concerto in G Major with the Silesian Philharmonic in Katowice, soon followed by his critically acclaimed Chopin Piano Concerto in F minor with the Rzeszow Philharmonic. Since this time he has graced international stages performing as a soloist throughout Europe, the United States and Latin America. As a winner of Fryderyk Chopin Society Competition and the Polish National Piano Competition in Warsaw, Mr. Wisniewski has become an avid supporter and representative of polish music both at home and internationally.
Upon meeting his wife, Polish Soprano, Joanna Ruszala, Mr. Wisniewski embarked upon a career in collaborative piano. Discovering his love of chamber music with both instrumentalists and singers alike, he became the founder of the Amedeo Piano Trio touring Europe for four years. He also performed concerts with a wide variety of artists and genres including Metropolitan Opera stars such as Teresa Kubiak, Carol Vaness, Patricia Wise, and Carlos Montané. As well as, world renowned tuba virtuosi: Roland Szentpali, Les Neish, and Alessandro Fossi.
While working with legendary singers his passion for opera grew until 2008 when he became musical director of the graduate opera workshop and coach of the Opera Theater at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. It was at Indiana University where Mr. Wisniewski made his conducting debut with Puccini’s Sour Angelica, followed by Gianni Schicchi and Menotti’s Amelia Al Ballo. Soon after he led the OperaMaya orchestra in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico during their 2014 season. After 11 years at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, he will be holding a position of Head of Music Staff at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City starting in August 2019.
Mr. Wisniewski holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance as well as an Artist Diploma from The Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland. Presently, he serves as the Head of Music and Collaborative Piano for OperaMaya, in addition to his duties at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and piano performing career.