Jan Modelski
Highly sought after as a musical director, conductor and tutor, Jan has made a huge impact on the music scene in Cheshire since his arrival almost 25 years ago.
An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Jan grew up in London where he primarily studied the violin. Having been taught by some of the best professional musicians in the area, he enjoyed great success in the capital’s youth music scene and became the principal violinist of several orchestras. Also a keen drummer, Jan played in various bands of differing genres, giving him vast experience outside of the classical music scene and adding a new dimension to what was about to become an extremely successful musical career.
Jan’s passion for directing began as he exited the youth music scene, when he quickly realised that there were very few opportunities for musicians in the community to access successful and enjoyable ensembles. In 2001 following his arrival in Chester, he set up his first community orchestra, which aimed to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for instrumentalists of all ages and abilities to develop their musicianship and playing skills to a high level. The success of this orchestra gave Jan an increasing reputation in the Chester music scene and led to his appointment as director to many other ensembles, ranging from orchestras and choirs to big bands. He is a great advocate of introducing varied and sometimes lesser-known repertoire to his audiences; with his ensembles he has also premiered some of this country’s finest new works, including that of the award-winning choral composer Chris Hutchings.
Also a well respected instrumental teacher, Jan has tutored countless students over the years – some to diploma level and beyond - on a vast range of instruments. Whilst he enjoys teaching children and adults alike, Jan is particularly passionate about nurturing musical development in the early years of school as he believes that younger children are just as capable of accessing a good and meaningful musical education as their peers in the later stages of school life.
2023 has been an exciting year so far for Jan and his musicians, with performance successes at venues and events across the region and beyond. Highlights include a sell-out concert in the main theatre at Chester's Storyhouse and a win at the International Musical Eisteddfod competition for Chester Big Band. Jan also welcomed 60 musicians to Modelski Music's first post-Covid orchestral Play Day, resulting in a highly productive and thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved.
Later this year, Jan looks forward to welcoming several new teachers to the team of his ever-expanding music school, which will enable him to provide even more opportunity for aspiring musicians to develop their skills and enjoy making music together as Modelski Music enters its 25th year.
