Józef Świder

(1930, Czechowice-Dziedzice, Poland – 2014, Katowice, Poland)

Józef Świder was a Polish composer, pianist, and educator. His interest in music was instilled in him by his grandfather and father, both of whom were church organists. He began his studies at the State Higher School of Music in Katowice in 1949. In 1966, he traveled to Rome and studied under the Italian composer Goffredo Petrassi at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

In 1952, he began teaching at the Katowice Academy of Music, where he was responsible for composition and music theory, eventually rising to the positions of Dean and Vice-Rector. From 1953 to 1955, he taught at the Music High School in Bielsko-Biała, and from 1953 to 1961, at the Music High School in Katowice. In 1984, he became a professor at the Bydgoszcz Academy of Music, later becoming the Head of the Postgraduate Choral Studies Department at the same institution. From 1984 to 1999, he served as the Director of the Institute of Music Education at the University of Silesia in Cieszyn. He also served as the Head of the Katowice Branch of the Polish Composers' Union and was a long-standing member of the Polish Society of Authors and Composers (ZAIKS).

Józef Świder served as the President of the Silesian Association of Choral and Instrumental Ensembles and as a juror for various composition and vocal competitions. He also organized courses for conductors and music educators. He was awarded various decorations and prizes, including the Knight's and Officer's Crosses of the Order of Polonia Restituta, the Minister of Culture and Art Award, and the Prime Minister's Award for his works for children.

His extensive body of work includes three operas, over 300 choral pieces, as well as instrumental works, oratorios, and cantatas. He also contributed to the development of sacred music in Poland.