Polish musician and educator Janusz Olejniczak, known for his piano performances in the 2002 Oscar-winning film The Pianist, has passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family.

In a statement released to the media, Olejniczak's family announced that he died on Sunday due to a heart attack. The statement highlighted his “exceptional musical sensitivity, particularly in the realm of Frederic Chopin's compositions, which garnered him international acclaim and recognition.”

Aleksander Laskowski, a spokesperson for the national Frederic Chopin Institute, expressed deep sorrow over Olejniczak's demise, describing him as “one of the most distinguished contemporary interpreters of Chopin's music,” not only on modern instruments but also on period instruments, and as an exceptional teacher.

Composer and conductor Jerzy Maksymiuk, a close friend, noted that Olejniczak's “sensitive spirit and remarkable talent were evident in all his performances,” creating a “distinctive atmosphere.” Maksymiuk recalled having lunch with Olejniczak on Sunday, during which they discussed his “ambitious plans” that he was resolute to pursue despite his health issues.

Born on October 2, 1952, in Wroclaw, Olejniczak commenced his piano studies at the age of six. He pursued his education in Warsaw, Paris, and Essen. His international career took off in 1970 when, at just 18, he became a laureate of the 8th International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Critics often remarked on his physical resemblance to the Romantic-era composer, a resemblance that even led him to portray Chopin in the 1991 film The Blue Note directed by Andrzej Zulawski.

In 2002, Olejniczak recorded the piano parts for Roman Polanski’s The Pianist. His hands were featured playing the piano in the film, which earned Polanski the Best Director Oscar and Adrien Brody the Best Actor award. Olejniczak also championed contemporary music, including works by the renowned late Polish composer Wojciech Kilar. For many years, he served on the jury of the Chopin piano competitions and, since 2018, on the jury of the two editions of the Chopin competition on period instruments.

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