Mikolaj Konopelski

Born in Katowice (Poland) in 1985. Polish cellist, soloist and chamber musician.
Since 2019-2020, he is associate cello professor at the Reina Sofia School of Music at the class of professor Ivan Monighetti.
In 2009 he graduated with highest distinction receiving “Magna cum laude” at F. Chopin Music University in Warsaw at the class of professor A. Bauer. He continued his studies at the Reina Sofia School of Music in Madrid at the class of professor Natalia Shakhovskaya where Her Majesty Queen Sofia handed him the Diploma to the most outstanding student.
Since 2009 he has been a cellist for the Madrid Symphony Orchestra - Teatro Real de Madrid, position which he combines with an active concert career. His repertoire ranges from renaissance to contemporary music.
He recorded for Spanish Television, RNE Classical Radio, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Catalunya Radio and Polish Radio. He has received numerous awards in national and international competitions such as VII Lutoslawski International Cello Competition in Warsaw (Poland), Penderecki Competition in Cracow (Poland), Jeunesses Musicales in Belgrade (Serbia), Chamber Music Competition in Bilbao, Chamber Music Competition in Manresa, International Chamber Music Competition in Thessaloniki (Greece), National Cello Competition in Elblag (Poland), Dotzauer Competition in Dresden (Germany), Popper Competition in Varpalota (Hungary), Wilkomirski Cello Competition in Poznan (Poland). Performed as soloist with European orchestras. He debuted in Auditorio Nacional in Madrid with Peter Eötvös, playing G. Ligeti Cello Concerto.
Recipient of scholarships from Ministry of Culture and Art, Polish Children's Fund, Mayor city of Katowice, 'Agrafka', “Mloda Polska” (Young Poland).
Soloist of “Cellonet” (2007-2012), Soloist of “Octeto Ibérico” (2009-2010). For three seasons leader of the cello section in IJOA in Bayreuth. Since 2014 soloist of Plural Ensemble.
He is usually invited to give masterclasses in Spain and abroad. His students are prize winners of national and international competitions.