March 24: Polish Music Spring: Młoda Polska (Young Poland)

As part of Poland’s Centennial Celebration in 2018, the USC Polish Music Center presents a spring concert of music by composers of the Młoda Polska [Young Poland] generation, whose works are typified by the modernist and neo-romantic aesthetic of pre-war occupied Poland. Performed by violinist Maria Sławek and pianists Grzegorz Mania and Piotr Różański of the Polish Society of Chamber Musicians from Kraków….Continue Reading March 24: Polish Music Spring: Młoda Polska (Young Poland)

Polish Music for 2 Pianos/4 Hands

A Polish Kaleidoscope 2: Polish Music for Two Pianos Władysława Markiewiczówna: Suite for Two Pianos (1936); Michał Spisak: Concerto for Two Pianos (1942); Witold Lutosławski: Miniature for Two Pianos (1953); Henryk Mikołaj Górecki: Toccata op. 2 for Two Pianos (1955); Romuald Twardowski: Improvisation and Toccata for Two Pianos (1974); Jerzy Bauer: Divertimento in Three “Pieces”…Continue Reading Polish Music for 2 Pianos/4 Hands

Another Great Review for Messages Quartet’s Laks Album

Szymon Laks: String Quartets Szymon Laks: String Quartet No. 3 “On Polish Folk Themes” (1945); String Quartet No. 4 (1962); String Quartet No. 5 (1963) Messages Quartet: Małgorzata Wasiucionek (violin); Oriana Masternak (violin); Maria Dutka (viola); Beata Urbanek-Kalinowska (cello) DUX 1286 In her October 13 review for Le Monde, Marie-Aude Roux praised the Messages String Quartetfor the…Continue Reading Another Great Review for Messages Quartet’s Laks Album

Paderewski Festival in Warsaw

The Fourth International Paderewski Festival will take place from November 4-11 in several venues across Warsaw, including the Royal Castle, Philharmonic Hall, Lutosławski Radio Studio, and in the Łazienki Palace. A variety of orchestral, chamber, and jazz concert are augmented by panel discussions, Paderewski-themed exhibits, and film screenings. At the first of the two concerts, Paderewski’s Polish Fantasy for…Continue Reading Paderewski Festival in Warsaw

Chopin in Florida

Elzbieta Bilicka, prize winner, 2016 International Paderewski Competition, will perform in the “Chopin For All” series organized by the Chopin Foundation of the US in Florida. Her program will include I. J. Paderewski: Legende in A-flate Major, Op. 16, No. 1; F. Schubert: Drei Klavierstücke, D. 946, Nos. 1, 2, 3; K. Szymanowski: Mazurkas, Op. 50,…Continue Reading Chopin in Florida

Kosciuszko FDN Concerts in November

Great virtuoso of the piano – Krzysztof Penderecki The golden age of pianism comes to mind when I hear Konrad Skolarski play – Prof. Peter Feuchtwanger Celebrated for his lyrical-dramatic interpretations, unique, personal style and consummate artistry, Polish pianist and pedagogue Konrad Skolarski presents a recital to celebrate Poland’s Independence Day. The program will feature works by…Continue Reading Kosciuszko FDN Concerts in November

Polonia: From Chopin to Paderewski

November 11, 2017 marks 99 years since Poland regained its independence after 123 years of foreign domination. At the Teatr Wielki–Polish National Opera, which had been a bastion of Polish culture when the nation lost its statehood, this poignant anniversary will be celebrated with music: Fryderyk Chopin’s and Karol Szymanowski’s early pieces resounding with youthful enthusiasm,…Continue Reading Polonia: From Chopin to Paderewski

Composers’ Forum in Poznań

The 11th International Composers’ Forum takes place at the Poznań Music Academy from November 8-9, 2017, and this year is focused on the voice in contemporary music. For the past ten years this gathering has provided an opportunity for connecting experienced composers and performers with younger generation of musicians. Besides a variety of lectures and panel discussions…Continue Reading Composers’ Forum in Poznań

Penderecki Young Composers’ Competition

The Krakow Branch of the Polish Composers’ Union [ZKP] has announced the 1st Krzysztof Penderecki International Competition for Young Composers. Composers from any country who will not be over the age of 35 at the moment of the Competitions closing are invited to take part. The subject o is a composition for flute, clarinet, violin, viola,…Continue Reading Penderecki Young Composers’ Competition

KF Piano Competition Returns

After a few years’ hiatus, the Kosciuszko Foundation has announced the 2018 Chopin Competition for Young Pianists. The age categories for young pianists include: Under 12, 13-15 and 16-18, with the categories determined by the age of the contestant as of March 3, 2018. The winners will receive cash prizes as well as opportunities to perform at the…Continue Reading KF Piano Competition Returns