Professor Jan Szyrocki – the pioneer of the West Pomeranian choral art

Abstract

The article presents the figure of Jan Szyrocki, a conductor, pedagogue and music culture promoter, connected with Szczecin for most of his life. He was the founder of the “Słowiki” Boys’ Choir, the “Berżeretki” Girls’ Choir and, first and foremost, the Choir of the University of Technology in Szczecin, which he cooperated with continually for 50 years. The article also describes Jan Szyrocki’s contribution to the establishment of the International Choral Festival in Międzyzdroje and “In terra pax” Choral Academy, as well as his collaboration with renowned composers (e.g. Andrzej Koszewski, Krzysztof Penderecki, Jan Hawel, Marek Jasiński) and the conductor of the Szczecin Philharmonic – Stefan Marczyk. The article also discusses other issues, such as the didactic, social and cultural activity of Prof. Jan Szyrocki, his professional activity in the Szczecin branch of the Academy of Music in Poznań and in the College of Music Culture, founded on his initiative at the University of Technology in Szczecin, as well as information on his membership in cultural organizations and juries, awarded prizes, medals and distinctions.