Academy Award-Winning Composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek Dies At 71

Academy Award-winning Polish composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, who was best known for his award-winning score for “Finding Neverland” in 2005, passed away this week after battling multiple system atrophy at the age of 71.

Growing up, Kaczmarek did not plan to become a composer. Instead, he studied law and graduated from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland with a law degree, specializing in legal theory and philosophy of law.

In the late 1970s, Jan began playing with avant-garde ensembles, composing for experimental theater, and founding The Orchestra of the Eighth Day. The orchestra featured two musicians, one of whom was Kaczmarek, playing an unusual stringed instrument called Fischer’s fidola.

After touring with TOED, Jan moved to the United States, where he began composing music for films and plays. In 1992, Kaczmarek won a Drama Desk Award for his music for the New York Shakespeare Festival’s performance of “Tis Pity She’s a Whore.”

Jan composed music for several films, including “Total Eclipse,” “Bliss,” “Washington Square,” “Lost Souls,” “The Visitor,” “Get Low,” and “Paul, Apostle of Christ.”

In 2005, Kaczmarek composed the score for “Finding Neverland,” which helped narrate the story by infusing emotions to enhance the overall feel of the film, capturing the emotional peaks and valleys of the narrative.

In addition to his Oscar, Jan also won the National Board of Review Award for “Finding Neverland.” Kaczmarek also founded the Instytut Rozbitek, inspired by the Sundance Institute, to nurture new talents in filmmaking, theater, and composition.

Several tributes to Kaczmarek have been posted to social media following the news of his passing.

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek passed away. I started to believe in my own music thanks to him and his festival. I will always be grateful. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Comn1a2WQ3

— Aleksander Dębicz (@AlekDebicz) May 21, 2024

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek (1953-2024)

The Polish composer passed away at age 71 in Krakow after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

He wrote numerous scores for film and TV and received an Academy Award for FINDING NEVERLAND (2004). #RIP #Film #Music #Soundtracks pic.twitter.com/RC1eOO2Wkc

— 🎬 Ciné Oncle 🍕 (@Thugut71) May 22, 2024

We are devastated to hear of the passing of Jan A.P. Kaczmarek. Many wonderful memories including recording his sublime score to Finding Neverland with our @ChamberOrch_LDN, for which he went on to win the Oscar. His unique creative personality and warmth will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/5x21Iy915d

— COOL Music Ltd. (@COOLMusicLtd) May 21, 2024

Rest in peace!