Biography

Attended the National Jazz Institute in Scotland from the age of 15-18, which was run by Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith. Developed a keen interest in jazz, and joined the Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra on tenor saxophone, participating in many concerts over Scotland and also a tour of South Africa in 1999.

Attended the University Of Strathclyde from 1998-2002, gaining a BA hons in Applied Music. Whilst at Strathclyde, awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Joined the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in 2001, and continues to play in the band today.

Studied at the Berklee College of Music from 2003-2004, receiving tuition from saxophonists Joe Lovano, Dino Govonni and George Garzone. During this time, invited by the BBC to represent Britain in the European Jazz Orchestra with concerts in Istanbul, Turkey.

On return from Berklee, joined the European Youth Jazz Orchestra for a tour of Europe and Brazil, whilst also being commissioned to compose and arrange a piece for the junior band. Developing a keen interest in writing new music, formed own quartet playing original material. Performances include BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line-Up’s 5th birthday show, performing alongside fellow saxophonist Tim Garland, trumpeter Guy Barker and pianist Julian Joseph.

Recent engagements include concerts with vocalists Claire Martin, Jacqui Dankworth, the RTE Dublin Concert Orchestra, the Colin Steele Quintet, Valerie Ponomarev, Stuart McCallum, Haftor Medboe Group, The Paul Towndrow Sextet, Brass Jaw, Pascal Schumacher, Marc Demuth, performances on BBC Radio 3, and Radio Scotland.

“A really exciting new talent on the scene with a great flair for writing original material, which makes him a real force to be reckoned with.”
– Claire Martin, BBC radio 3

“One of the most interesting and diverse saxophone players on the scottish music scene.”
– Scotland on Sunday

“Wiszniewski has been developing at a formidable pace both on tenor and as a composer, his playing is big-toned, robust and full of imagination.”
– The Herald

updated: 23 March 2009