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Aleksander Kudajczyk: From Cleaner to Chopin
The story of Aleksander Kudajczyk (his family name is pronounced as "coo-day-check") is the success story of an underdog
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he story of Aleksander Kudajczyk (his family name is pronounced as "coo-day-check") is the success story of an underdog. Born in Ruda Slaska, in southern Poland, at the age of four Aleksander decided that he was going to be a musician. He started studying piano intensively, until he graduated with a Master's Degree in Music in the city of Lodz, Poland.
But in today's material world, starting a career as a musician is often not so sweet as Bach's minuets. Aleksander went to Glasgow, Scotland, in search of better opportunities.
Instead of having a glorious music career, Aleksander juggled several part-time jobs until he ended up as a cleaner at Glasgow University.
He seemed to have given up everything, except his music. He reserved some time to practice on one of the university's pianos. This "unofficial performance" was recorded by a CCTV nearby, which generated interest among the university's musical community.
At the peak of the frenzy, the BBC picked up the story, and Aleksander became a celebrity overnight. From that, Aleksander the musician was born.
When asked about his experience, one can still hear some bitterness in Aleksander's voice.
"It's very difficult to earn money from music" he said, referring to his own experience.
"The music industry does not seem to be just at times. To be able to succeed, there are strings to pull, and connections really help" he added. Perhaps, that's why he is now continuing his career as a self-made musician, having chosen an independent manager, and doing things his own way.
Nevertheless, his talents generate excitement everywhere he goes. He has performed all over the world, including many places in Europe and the United States. But a recent concert named "PolArt" at Elder Hole, Adelaide, Australia, organized as a tribute to Polish culture, was one of Aleksander's favorites. The audience was so thrilled that they gave him endless standing ovations even after seven encores.
Why does Aleksander love music so much? "Because music never betrays you. You never lose it, it will always be with you" he answered. This was the one thing that he had in mind, when he worked as a cleaner several years ago. And music does stay true to him.
His repertoire includes difficult pieces such as Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor and Op. 30 from Rachmaninoff. In fact, he cited Rachmaninoff and Chopin as his favorite composers.
He himself is a descendent of Radetzky of the Radetzky March, one of the most famous marches in the world due to the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year Concert and the Tom and Jerry cartoon.
What makes a difference between the good and the great in piano playing? After all, it's just one player and a piano. Aleksander replied with stern confidence, that love makes the difference.
"You have to love music, and it will show" he said. It is the love affair between a piano player and his music that makes the difference between Buchbinder and a lounge pianist. As a last word, Aleksander has a message for all the young musicians out there who are trying to make it big. "Pursue music the way it should be done," he said. No strings attached.
