Beczała, a leading tenor of his generation, is a graduate of the academy’s Department of Voice and Acting, where he studied from 1986 to 1992.
In a citation, his former professor Jan Ballarin said that, since performing the part of Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin in his diploma performance 30 years ago, Beczała has become "the world’s number one lyric tenor."
Ballarin also dwelled in his speech on the singer’s "steadfast efforts to promote Polish music in the international circuit." He noted that it was "thanks to Beczała’s lobbying" that the Theater an der Wien, one of Europe’s leading opera houses, decided to produce in 2019 Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko’s Halka, with Beczała in one of the leading roles.
In his thank-you address, Beczała said that "being a musician is a beautiful profession."
He added: “Someone once said that one is happy if one’s profession is also one’s passion in life – I’m indeed a happy man."
Beczała had some warm words to say about the ceremony, writing on Facebook: “With my hand on my heart, I can say that yesterday was one of the most beautiful days of my life! I am very touched and honored after receiving the title of Doctor Honoris Causa during the beautiful ceremony at my alma mater, the Karol Szymanowski Music Academy in Katowice. The level of the Academy and its beauty is simply amazing in many respects! I am very happy to be here and to experience it! Thank you!”
Beczała is expected to remain in Katowice until the end of the week, giving masterclasses for young singers at his alma mater. The project is due to end with a concert with his students on May 21.
Beczała appears regularly in the world's most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, London’s Covent Garden, Milan’s La Scala, and the opera houses in Vienna, Munich, Berlin and Paris.
In March, he sang the part of Lensky at the Met. On May 31, he is billed to give a recital in Vienna.
(mk/gs)