Jerzy Artysz began his music education studying the violin. He then went on to study singing with Maria Halfterowa at the State Higher School of Music in Warsaw. Having graduated (with honours), he trained under Maria Carbone in Milan.
He won prizes at the international singing competitions in Moscow (1957), ‘s-Hertogenbosch (1958), Toulouse (1959), and Geneva (1960). From 1958 to 1963, he worked with the Grand Theatre in Łódź, debuting in a production of Moniuszko's Halka by Kazimierz Dejmek.
In 1964 he began working with the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw. The collaboration lasted until 1990. He has been involved with the Warsaw Chamber Opera from its inception.
He is a professor of the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music. In 1990-1994 he was the artistic director of the Escolar d’Opera, Barcelona.
Mr Artysz sat on juries of vocal competitions held in Barcelona, Busseto, Geneva, Toulouse, as well as the International Stanisław Moniuszko Vocal Competition in Warsaw (serving as the chairman of the jury in 1994).
His opera repertoire includes major baritone roles, ranging from baroque to contemporary pieces. He is an excellent interpreter of songs and oratorio music.
He was presented with the Polish Composers' Union Award for his accomplishments as a performer and promoter of contemporary Polish music, as well as the Arion award of the Union of Polish Performing Artists (ZASP).
In recognition for his contribution to Polish culture, artistic accomplishements, and teaching efforts he was decorated with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and a Golden Gloria Artis Medal.
