Jan Modelski
Highly sought after as a musical director, conductor and tutor, Jan has made a huge impact on the music scene in Cheshire since his arrival 30 years ago.
An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Jan grew up in London where he primarily studied the violin. Having been taught by some of the best professional musicians in the area, he enjoyed great success in the capital’s youth music scene and became the principal violinist of several orchestras. Also a keen drummer, Jan played in various bands of differing genres, giving him vast experience outside of the classical music scene and adding a new dimension to what was about to become an extremely successful musical career.
Jan’s passion for directing began as he exited the youth music scene, when he quickly realised that there were very few opportunities for musicians in the community to access successful and enjoyable ensembles. After success in his first instrumental teaching post at West Cheshire College, in 2001 he set up his first community orchestra in Chester - aiming to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for instrumentalists of all ages and abilities to develop their musicianship and playing skills to a high level. The success of this orchestra gave Jan an increasing reputation in the Chester music scene and led to his appointment as director to many other ensembles, ranging from orchestras and choirs to big bands. He is a great advocate of introducing varied and sometimes lesser-known repertoire to his audiences; with his ensembles he has also premiered some of this country’s finest new works, including that of the award-winning choral composer Chris Hutchings.
Also a well respected instrumental teacher, Jan has tutored countless students over the years – some to diploma level and beyond - on a vast range of instruments. Whilst he enjoys teaching children and adults alike, Jan is particularly passionate about nurturing musical development in the early years of school as he believes that younger children are just as capable of accessing a good and meaningful musical education as their peers in the later stages of school life.
Rather than suffering the after-effects of the COVID pandemic, the achievements of Jan's musical community have reached new heights over the past few years. There have been performances at prestigious venues such as Chester's Storyhouse and Cholmondeley Castle; a win at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod competition for Chester Big Band; two Play Days attended by 60+ musicians each time; a steady increase in new members has even caused one of the ensembles to outgrow its rehearsal venue!
2025 has so far been a memorable year for Jan, kicked off by celebrating Modelski Music's 25th anniversary in style earlier this year with a huge gala concert and party at Chester Town Hall, involving more than 120 of the community's musicians and welcoming almost 200 special guests; recognition of his outstanding and 'inspirational' contribution to community music then became a matter of national interest as he made the final shortlist of three nominees for The Lady Hilary Groves Inspiration Award at this year's Making Music Awards.
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Not one to sit back and rest on his laurels, Jan is already looking ahead to the next chapter of Modelski Music with exciting plans already in the pipeline to ensure the growth and enjoyment of community music into 2026 and beyond.
