He studied in Paris. He often performed with his brother Józef, a pianist, with whom he undertook, among other things, an extensive tour of Russia and Germany. He performed in the United Kingdom many times. He became a virtuoso recognized throughout western Europe. In 1848, Henryk Wieniawski met Stanisław Moniuszko for the first time in Vilnius; Moniuszko followed the development of the young Wieniawski brothers' talent with great interest. To this day, Henryk Wieniawski's Violin Concerto in D major has survived thanks to a fragment entered as a dedication in Moniuszko's diary. In 1860, Henryk Wieniawski accepted a position at the Tsar's court in St. Petersburg, becoming first violinist in the opera orchestra. He resigned in 1872 due to a lack of artistic and financial satisfaction. He performed in the United States and continued to visit Russia, where he died. He composed two violin concertos (the first is notable for Wieniawski's fascination with the instrument's technical possibilities). Polish themes are evident, among other works, in his violin polonaises and kujawiaks. Also noteworthy is Legend, Op. 17, composed under the influence of his love for Izabela Hampton, his future wife (they met in the United Kingdom).