Kasia Smolarek (Orlando)

Praised for her breathtaking virtuosity and magnificent interpretations, Polish guitarist Katarzyna Smolarek is emerging as one of the most captivating voices in classical guitar today.

Born in 1995, Katarzyna began playing guitar at the age of eight. Her artistry has been recognized with over 20 top prizes in national and international competitions, including First Prizes at the Sanremo International Guitar Festival (Italy), Sinaia Guitar Competition (Romania), and the Sydney Eisteddfod Guitar Competition (Australia). She has also earned Second Prize at the Concurso Musical Dr. Luis Sigall in Chile (2017) and the Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition in Italy (2018) — the only two guitar competitions that are part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, marking her among the very few guitarists to place in both within a single career.

Katarzyna has performed extensively across Europe — including Poland, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, and the Netherlands — as well as in Chile and Australia. Her performances range from solo recitals to concerto appearances with orchestra, and she is a sought-after guest artist at international guitar festivals, where she has also given masterclasses and served on juries.

Audiences are drawn to her ability to combine technical mastery with deep musical insight, moving seamlessly from the elegance of baroque to the richness of contemporary music. Whether performing Bach, Ponce, or newly commissioned works, Katarzyna seeks to uncover the unique beauty in every score she plays.