Trio Animato (Poland)
The harmonica ensemble Animato was founded in Szczecin by Jerzy Grzesiukiewicz in 1978. Since 1992, the ensemble has consisted of three members, all playing different harmonicas: Marek Jaroszyński (chromatic), Piotr Bieliński (chord harmonica), and Piotr Włodarczyk (bass harmonica). The ensemble is a laureate of Polish and international harmonica competitions. In 1996, they achieved second place at the European Harmonica Festival in Trossingen, Germany. In 1997, Animato won the first prize and the World Champion title for an outstanding performance at the World Harmonica Festival in the same city. Since then, they have no longer participated in harmonica competitions but have been invited as guests to perform at various music festivals in Poland and abroad, including in Estonia.
From the beginning, Animato has worked towards popularizing the harmonica, showcasing the different playing techniques and sonic nuances that this interesting and refined instrument allows. In their numerous concerts at home and abroad, they have sought to demonstrate that the harmonica has almost limitless possibilities, enabling them to successfully play all kinds of music. The ensemble’s repertoire includes their own arrangements of different types of music, including popular classical music pieces, jazz and swing standards, world hits of pop music, as well as shanties and folk music from around the world. Animato has recorded 4 CDs with diverse music, including their newest album titled “Sunday Millionaires.”