Karol Kowalik | Cello

Born into a musical family, Karol began learning the cello to complete the family string quartet and has since established himself as a highly sought-after chamber musician and soloist. Signed with Universal Music, he has recorded for the Deutsche Grammophon and ABC Classic labels.

An active chamber musician, Karol is a founding member of the Orava Quartet, the first Australian string quartet to be signed with Universal Music. The ensemble has released two highly acclaimed recordings on the Deutsche Grammophon label and was recently nominated for the 2024 ARIA Awards. They have toured internationally, performing in some of Australia’s most prestigious venues, as well as for Queen Sofía and Pope Benedict XVI. Karol also tours regularly throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.

As a soloist, Karol has received numerous awards, including First Prize in the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition and Third Prize in the Gisborne International Music Competition.

Karol performs on an anonymous Cello and a fine bow, both generously on loan, and is a Larsen Artist and ambassador for Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin.