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The Leokadja Dombroska/Polish Singers Alliance of America Scholarship

Past Scholarship Awardees

2024 Awardee

GEMMA BARBERIO

Gemma Barberio has been performing since fifth grade. She started singing classical music at twelve years old with Jena Abati and hasn’t stopped since! Gemma is a two-time recipient of the Outstanding Musicianship award in her junior and senior year of high school for involvement with Tri-M Music Honor Society, chorale, clarinet, jazz band, musicals, and the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) all state choirs. She was also awarded the Erwin H. Johnson scholarship in 2019 for her dedication to vocal studies. Continuing her music education at the State University of New York at Oswego under Dr. Amanda Li, Gemma was the secretary of her select choir for her freshman and sophomore year. She was a featured soloist in Irina Petrik’s Ukrainian Song Festival, which highlighted Ukrainian underrepresented composers. Her most recent operatic ensemble was in Oswego Opera Company’s La Traviata. She helped in creating SUNY Oswego’s first treble acapella group, Octavia. Funds raised from Octavia’s concerts were donated to local shelters for victims of domestic violence. Along with music, Gemma studies communication disorders and psychology locally in the University at Buffalo.

2024 Awardee

THOMAS OGRODNIK

Thomas Ogrodnik is a pianist and composer who has focused his efforts on creating contemplative music. First set before the piano by his family at the age of seven, Thomas began to teach himself tunes that amused him. As the beauty and thrill of romantic music revealed itself, composition and improvisation became a way to follow the classical tradition and have the piano sing to the audience. Performance started to become a regular part of Thomas’ life, beginning with recitals for his school, then progressing to competitions and concerts in Carnegie Hall, Harvard, Italy, Finland, and more. In addition to performing, Thomas began a YouTube channel in his name to share his work. Today, Inspirations such as Mahler, Scriabin, and Bach draw Thomas to creating and performing philosophical, thoughtful music that can communicate his Catholic faith and bring hope to more people. 

2023 Awardee

NICHOLAS ALEXANDER KAPONYAS 

Nicholas Alexander Kaponyas is a Polish-American pianist born in 1999. Kaponyas studied with exemplary pianists and pedagogues such as Bozena Konkiel, Martin Labazevitch, Marcia Eckert, and Eteri Andjaparidze. Kaponyas has participated in masterclasses with world class professors such as Seymour Bernstein, Andrzej Jasinski, Ewa Pobłocka, Anna Gorecka, Wojciech Switala, Anna Malikova, and Sofya Gulyak. He has performed as a solo artist and collaborative pianist in many prestigious venues such as the Polish Consulate of New York, the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Tenri Cultural Institute, the Polish and Slavic Center, and Steinway Hall. In a fundraising effort for “Misto Dobra,” the largest orphanage in Ukraine, Kaponyas was also invited to perform in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall where he played both as a soloist and as a part of an ensemble. Kaponyas also took part in the world premiere of Norbert Palej’s “Ave Maria” for violin, voice, and piano. He also has performed in the Gallery Inn Cannon Club for the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico in addition to performing in Poland annually.

Recently, Kaponyas received the Honorable Mention prize in Yamaha’s 2022 National Young Performing Artists Competition and won 1st prize in the 2022 edition of The Century Voice Competition playing with soprano Yohji Daquio. Nicholas also accompanies the Jutrzenka Singing Society.

2023 Awardee

MARK FILATOV

Mark Filatov is a New York-based singer from Brooklyn, Mark has performed in various venues as both a soloist and a chorister from various choral organizations. As a soloist, he has performed in the Placido Domingo Hall and Scorca Theater at Opera America, the Kościuszko Foundation, Polish Slavic Center, and Teatro LATEA. He has performed with Mastervoices, the National Chorale, the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Music, and the Bronx Opera, under the directions of Maestros Ted Spelling, Dr. Everett McCorvey, Gerard Schwarz, and Michael Spierman. In addition, Mr. Filatov has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center (David Geffen Hall, Rose Theater and Alice Tully Hall), New York City Center, Opera America, and Bronx Community College. Mark currently leads Jutrzenka Singing Society and will continue his studies for masters at the Manhattan School of Music studying in Chris Nomura's Studio.

2022 Awardee

MELANIE BEBAK

Melanie Bebak is a graduate in music education at Buffalo State University. At Buffalo State University she was a member of the Chamber Choir and Chorale, and performed in other solo and collaborative projects. Melanie was honored to serve as a Student Marshall at her graduation ceremony, along with being awarded the first “Distinction in Multiculturalism” student honor. She is an active part of the music ministry at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, assists with music at Assumption Church, and is a member and Assistant Director of the Chopin Singing Society of Buffalo.

2021 Awardee

ANNA PASCUCCI

Anna Pascucci graduated from the Theatre program at the University at Buffalo with a minor in Polish Studies and engaged in vocal lessons with a professional vocal coach at the University. She is currently a Masters student at Daemen University. Anna was a member of the Chopin Singing Society #219 and also the University’s choir. Active at her church, St. Casimir in Buffalo, Anna offers her talents as a soloist and learns about Polish cultural and religious traditions from her pastor, Rev. Czeslaw Krysa. A highlight of her young career was performing at Radio City Music Hall to open for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular through the “Next Step” program sponsored by Shea’s Buffalo Theatre; Anna has performed at the Erie County Fair and Darien Lake.

2019 Awardee

DOMINIK WRONA

Dominik Wrona is from Oakville, Ontario and studied piano under Dr. Natalia Tyomkina who studied under Emil Gilels at the Moscow Conservatory. He attended the Royal Conservatory of Music where he received his Associate Diploma and also completed a computer science degree at the University of Toronto with a minor in Classics. Dominik is an organist at St. Anthony Church and works at Classic Organ in Ontario as a software developer for the Maestro Control Systems. He is a member of the Symfonia and Cantabile choirs in Ontario.

2018 Awardee

HALEY BRUNSTAD

Haley Brunstad graduated as a vocal performance major at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY where she performed regularly including with the Rochester Philharmonic and the College’s Chamber Singers. She performed in numerous operas and with other Nazareth students, appeared with Josh Groban in a back-up choir. Haley received her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology in May 2024 and is working in the West Irondequoit School District.

2017 Awardee

KRYSTIAN SEKOWSKI

Krystian Sekowski is a concert pianist and served as the Choral Conductor and Music Director for the Edmonton, Alberta Latin Mass Society. He is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Alberta in piano performance, and has studied in Poland, Austria and Italy. He performed with the Polonia Choir Society of Edmonton and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. A piano teacher and organist, he directed the Lex Orandi Children’s Choir. He has performed in North America and Europe, including at the National Opera House in Warsaw while completing his graduate studies in piano performance. Krystian is enrolled in the JD/MBA program at the University of Calgary with a target graduation date of May 2026, and works at McLeod Law.

2016 Awardee

JAKUB JOZEF ORLINSKI

Jakub Jozef Orlinski from Warsaw, Poland is a countertenor, breakdancer and model who was a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Opera Council Auditions Competition and the 2015 Marcella Kochanska Sembrich International Voice Competition, along with numerous other awards. He graduated from the Chopin University of Music and the Juilliard School studying with Edith Wiens. He currently performs around the world, heavily in Europe and the United States, and records with Warner classics/Erato. Known as “the first operatic superstar to win over Gen Z” (Telegraph Luxury Magazine), Jakub has taken the world by storm and is known for his unique ability to connect with new audiences and art forms worldwide and maintains an extensive social media network. We are proud to say that he is a superstar of the opera world!  Visit his website Jakub Józef Orliński | www.jakubjozeforlinski.com

2016 Awardee

JOANNA MIELESZKO

Joanna Mieleszko is a NY City bred, Polish-American mezzosoprano and choral conductor. She directed the Aria Chorus at the time of her award and recently performed with Anglica Antiqua, directed and performed in David Lang’s Mile Long Opera, sang alongside the legendary Maria Farantouri in Carnegie Hall, and ushered in five world premieres at the helm of AEON Ensemble as part of the Queens New Music Festival. Joanna’s extensive involvement in the Eastern European cultural communities of the tri-state area includes directing visiting ensembles, reviving underperformed Slavic lieder, and premiering new works as both singer and conductor. As the musical director of Ukrainian Village Voices, she concluded an ethnographic and performance tour in Ukraine which culminated in a sold-out multi-media performance at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City.

2015 Awardee

MICHAEL HAWK

Michael Hawk is an operatic baritone and currently a Resident Artist with the Seattle Opera. He has also performed at Opera Saratoga, the Hillman Opera, LA Opera, Aspen Music Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Nickel City Opera and with the Buffalo Philharmonic. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a Masters from Rice University, Michael completed a vocal and language study program in Italy. Michael was named as a 2024 Schwab Vocal Rising Star. Visit his website Michael J. Hawk | www.michaeljhawkbaritone.com

2014 Awardee

EMILY HELENBROOK

Emily Helenbrook is a soprano who is performing for the second year at Opera Neo. She also completed her second season as a Vocal Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center under the mentorship of Dawn Upshaw. She has performed at the Palm Beach Opera, Rice Opera Theatre, Opera in the Ozarks and at the Aspen Opera Center. She has performed with the Rochester and Buffalo Philhamonics, the Ars Nova Chamber Musicians, the Cheektowaga and Genesee, and Livermore-Amadore Symphonies, and at the Chautauqua Institute. Emily performed at Carnegie Hall as on e of the winners of the Barry Alexander International Voice Competition and appeared on the CBS Morning Show with Renee Fleming. In 2023 she performed as guest soloist with the Chopin Singing Society of Buffalo. Along with performing, she offers private vocal lessons. Visit her website Emily Helenbrook | www.emilyhelenbrook.com

2013 Awardee

DR. ARTUR KAPRON

Dr. Artur Kapron is a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and received his Masters and PhD in Music Education from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. A pianist and guitarist, he offers private lessons and also performs regularly. Visit his website Dr. Artur Kapron Music | www.arturkapron.com

Application Process

District officers of the Polish Singers Alliance of America (PSAA) may nominate individuals for the Leokadja Dombroska/PSAA Scholarship to the Central Administration of the PSAA for review.

Eligibility Criteria

Preference is given to candidates in vocal, choral or accompaniment studies at the undergraduate or graduate level who have been active in the Polish community or in promoting Polish music. An award of $1500 is available to each district.

Who Is Leokadja Dombroska

Born in Bydgoszcz, Poland and living in South Brooklyn, New York for most of her life, Leokadja Dombroska bequeathed monies to the Polish Singers Alliance of America for a scholarship fund, having been a dedicated member of the Jutrzenka Singing Society #226 and serving as their librarian for many years. A person of great joy throughout her 98 years, she had the privilege of meeting Ignacy Paderewski as a young woman. He requested that she sing for him having heard that she had a lovely voice. Too shy to do so, she, nonetheless, dared to ask if he would play for her. He honored her request, specifically for the Moonlight Sonata!

Scholarship Donations

If you would like to support the scholarship fund, please send checks payable to the Polish Singers Alliance of America, indicating “Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Mail check to Polish Singers Alliance of America , c/o Mary Lou Wyrobek, 20 Brookfield Lane #4, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Thank you.