Throughout the current academic year, we are successively presenting graduates of the University of Zielona Góra who have been honored in the Extra Graduate 2025 competition. We encourage you to learn more about their achievements and draw inspiration from the paths they have chosen. In February, we are pleased to introduce two laureates from the Faculty of Arts – Mateusz Dombrowicz, MA, and Klaudia Kerstan, BA.
Mateusz Dombrowicz, MA, is a graduate of first- and second-cycle studies in Artistic Education in the Field of Musical Art. He has achieved numerous artistic successes and is a multiple first- and second-prize winner at the International Festival and Competition for Performing Musicians “Musical Magic Blossom” in Ukraine, as well as a participant in the National Review of Musical Theatre Songs in Koszalin. During his studies, he performed in dozens of concerts across the Lubusz and Lower Silesia regions, both as a vocalist and as a master of ceremonies.
He is also actively involved in charitable initiatives, collaborating in support of various noble causes. He has taken part in charity music events such as “Gospel for Africa,” “Green Concert,” “Women’s Symphony of Support,” and “Christmas Symphony of Support.” He is a registered bone marrow donor with the DKMS Foundation and actively encourages others to join the registry.
During his studies, Mateusz Dombrowicz served as Secretary of the Board of the “Apri La Bocca” Student Research Club. Together with lecturers and students of the Institute of Music at the University of Zielona Góra, he participated in the recording of several albums, including The Joy of the Most Beautiful Years, released to celebrate the University’s 20th anniversary. In his daily life, he strives to view the world with optimism and to consistently pursue his artistic path. He envisions his future in musical theatre, while also aiming to perform in concerts and release his own original music.
Contact details and more information about our graduate can be found on his profile:
https://bk.uz.zgora.pl/absolwent-extra-sylwetki-absolwentow/rok-2025/edukacja-artystyczna-w-zakresie-sztuki-muzycznej-mateusz-dombrowicz-3.html
Klaudia Kerstan, BA, is a graduate of first-cycle studies in Jazz and Popular Music. She is a vocalist, harpist, lyricist, composer, and leader of the Klaudia Kerstan Quintet as well as the bands Oh Bards! and Ślubne Brzmienia. She has always been driven by a profound passion for music. Ambitious and hardworking, she finds in the stage and music a space for authentic self-expression.
She composes her own works, available on all major streaming platforms, both as solo projects and recordings with Oh Bards!. In August 2023, she and her band released their debut EP Sky Full of Stars – six unique tracks featuring not only the harp but also instruments such as mandolin, banjo, cello, guitar, piano, and cajón. During the final three years of her studies at the Institute of Music at the University of Zielona Góra, in addition to achieving very good academic results, she won numerous awards, including First Prize and the Grand Prix at the 1st International Music Interpretation Competition “Spaces of Interpretation” in Częstochowa (2025) and Second Prize at the 8th International Vocal Competition “The Golden Voice” in Kraków (2023).
During her studies, Klaudia Kerstan performed in countless concerts in cities including Wrocław, Warsaw, Szczecin, Zielona Góra, and Cottbus, where she appeared at the 1st Polish-German Civic Festival “Wine & Culinary Specialties.” She also performed at the 5th and 6th editions of the Jazz Crossing Festival in Zielona Góra. In addition to participating in festivals and competitions, she develops original music projects such as Jorja Smith by Klaudia Kerstan Band, Jazz Classics and Polish Songs, and Jazz Night by Klaudia Kerstan Quintet. Charity concerts also form an important part of her artistic activity. With Oh Bards!, she performed at a benefit concert for Ekostraż in Wrocław and during the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity.
For Klaudia Kerstan, music is not only a profession but above all a way of life – a source of fulfillment, energy, and motivation for further development. Every concert and every new project is an opportunity for her to share her passion and emotions with the audience.
Contact details and more information about our graduate can be found on her profile:
https://bk.uz.zgora.pl/absolwent-extra-sylwetki-absolwentow/rok-2025/jazz-i-muzyka-estradowa-klaudia-kerstan-2.html
During the ceremonial Gala of the Extra Graduate 2025 Competition, held on 17 November 2025, the commemorative statuettes were presented to the distinguished laureates by the Rector of the University of Zielona Góra, Professor Wojciech Strzyżewski; the Marshal of the Lubusz Voivodeship, Sebastian Ciemnoczołowski; the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education, Professor Barbara Literska; and the Director of the Institute of Music, Professor Bartłomiej Stankowiak.
