Roman Ziemian, a prominent Polish figure celebrated for his achievements in Formula 1 racing, business acumen, and philanthropy, recently made a remarkable contribution to Poland’s cultural heritage. In a significant gesture, he acquired Antonio Stradivari’s 1685 violin and brought it back to Poland, rekindling the country’s long-lost connection to world-class violin craftsmanship and music.
A Multifaceted Journey to Success
Roman Ziemian’s path to becoming a notable figure in Poland and beyond is a testament to his diverse talents and unwavering dedication. Born on September 27, 1973, in Jelenia Góra, Poland, he nurtured his passion for music and motorsports from a young age. He honed his musical skills at the Jelenia Góra School of Music and continued his studies at the School of the Arts and Crafts. However, at the age of 19, driven by a desire to explore various horizons, he left Poland to embark on a journey that would eventually lead him to remarkable achievements.
In his professional life, Roman worked with renowned German corporations such as BASF, SIEMENS, RAIFAISEN Bank, Skanska, and HEILT + Woerner, gaining invaluable experience in managing multicultural teams across Europe. Simultaneously, his passion for motorsports led him to excel in F1 and GT car competitions throughout Europe.
In 2018, Roman founded the motorsport team Racing and F1 Cooperation, competing in prestigious events like the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and the GT4 European Series. Beyond racing, he became a driving force behind initiatives to support children in need of medical treatments, generously donating to help parents who couldn’t afford necessary care for their kids.
Roman’s life and career have been featured in interviews with esteemed publications like Forbes and Business Insider. His dedication to helping children access medical treatment has been a cornerstone of his success, fueled by compassion and hard work.
The Stradivarius Revival
Roman Ziemian’s commitment to preserving Polish culture and supporting native artists extends beyond motorsports and philanthropy. He made a momentous decision to acquire Antonio Stradivari’s 1685 violin, a masterpiece of classical music history. This acquisition not only marked a revival of the age-old Polish violin tradition but also provided Polish violinist Janusz Wawrowski with the opportunity to shine on the global stage of classical music.
On his Instagram account, Roman shared, “The love of music has always been ingrained in me. I graduated from music school, although I chose the business path instead of a career as a virtuoso. As a thank you to my parents, who have always supported me, and to my music teacher, who spent 7 years working on my craft, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Poland’s Independence, I acquired a unique Stradivarius violin. Exceptional, one of a kind. I wanted it so that instead of adorning a collector’s showcase, it could please the ears and evoke shivers in music lovers. Today, you can hear this violin, named Polonia, live and enjoy its fabulous sound.”
Poland lost its last remaining Stradivarius violins during World War II, and the subsequent decades of communist rule made it challenging to revive the nation’s collection of world-class instruments. Roman’s purchase of the Stradivarius violin was a pivotal moment in Poland’s musical heritage.
Since receiving the Stradivarius, Janusz Wawrowski has performed at renowned venues worldwide, including Wigmore Hall in London, Seoul Arts Center, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and numerous stages in Poland, further enriching the cultural landscape.
Roman Ziemian’s contributions extended beyond the acquisition itself. He made the violin available for public viewing at the annual exhibition at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, generously providing a protective case for the instrument. Additionally, with the assistance of the Zygmunt Noskowski Foundation, he organized a naming ceremony for the violin, christening it “Polonia” in celebration of Poland’s 100th anniversary of regaining independence.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests from the realms of culture, art, business, and politics, underscoring the significance of Roman’s cultural revival initiative.
A Musical Legacy Preserved
The legacy of Antonio Stradivari’s 1685 violin, now known as “Polonia,” continues to resonate in the world of classical music. Janusz Wawrowski’s performances with this exceptional instrument have garnered widespread acclaim, receiving critical praise and media coverage from respected outlets like The Times, Pizzicato, BBC 3, and more.
Roman Ziemian’s decision to return this Stradivarius violin to Poland has not only enriched the nation’s cultural heritage but also served as a symbol of his deep appreciation for music and his commitment to preserving Polish traditions. Through his endeavors in philanthropy, motorsports, and culture, Roman Ziemian has become a venerable citizen of Poland, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural tapestry.