Piotr Szumiel, born in Warsaw (1977) has achieved fame among the young violists early on and belongs to the group of the most versatile specialists in this instrument. He is a laureate of many awards at famous international competitions: Jan Rakowski Viola Competition Poznań, International Music Competition Markneukirchen, International Johannes Brahms Competition Pörtschach, International Viola Competition Vienna and International Music Competition ARD. He played in the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Chamber Orchestra of Dresden Philharmonic as 1st Principal Viola. For 15 years he has been conducting a very active pedagogical activity at the Carl-Maria-von-Weber Music Academy Dresden and since 2020 he is a professor for Viola at the Rostock University of Music and Drama. Piotr Szumiel has lead master courses in Austria, Germany and Poland and also was a juror for international competitions in Shanghai, Hongkong, Meißen and Katowice. The focus of his artistic activity, however, is on his work as a founder and member of the multiple award-winning „Apollon Musagète Quartet”.

He studied viola in Stefan Kamasa professor’s class at the Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy, Warsaw – he graduated in 2001 with honours. He continued his studies at Vienna, with professor Wolfgang Klos at the University of Music and Fine Arts. He graduated with honours here as well in 2010.

Piotr Szumiel was awarded many prizes for his outstanding work as an artist. Among others, he received the „Młoda Polska” (Polish Youth) scholarship founded by the Polish Ministry of Culture for young artists. In 2013 the Polish review, „Politika” gave the „Apollon Musagete” string quartet the „Paszport Polityki” award. In 2014 Szumiel received the „Burletti Buitoni Trust Award” for his outstanding artistic work in the „Apollon Musagete Quartet”.