Dr. Magdalena Baczewska, a Polish-born pianist and harpsichordist as well as Chair of the Music Performance Program at Columbia University, was recognized by the Board of Directors of the Pilsudski Institute with the Ignacy Paderewski Arts and Music Award for her distinguished contribution to promoting Polish classical music worldwide. The 2025 Gala Award Ceremony was held in New York on October 23. Other honorees included Professor Andrzej Chwalba (a Jagiellonian University historian) who was recognized with the Wacław Jędrzejewicz History Award, and poet and literary critic, Wojciech Wencel, who received the Joseph Conrad Literature Award.
Dr. Baczewska’s commentary as the Paderewski Arts and Music Award recipient included the following statement:
I am immensely honored to become the recipient of the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Arts and Music Award, named after one of the greatest Polish musicians and statesmen in history. My sincere thanks to Dr. Iwona Korga and the committee of the Pilsudski Institute of America for this recognition. As the Ambassador [of the Republic of Poland] mentioned that evening, this award ceremony represented the passing of the torch of our great ancestors. For me, the award expressed a shared pride in our heritage, rich history, and beautiful culture which builds bridges of communication and mutual understanding.
Dr. Baczewska’s impressive solo career included performances with the San Francisco Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony and China National Symphony Orchestra as well as collaborative appearances with such artists as Joshua Bell and Cassat String Quartet. Her 2008 CD album A Tribute to Glenn Gould received critical acclaim from American Record Guide and the UK’s Gramophone magazine. Her discography includes compositions by Chopin, Szymanowski, Mozart, and Debussy, as well as innovative cross-genre collaborations with techno and hip-hop artists. Magdalena Baczewska also recorded the bestselling album series Music for Dreams in collaboration with the medical team Bluesleep, dedicated to research and treatment of sleep disorders. A Yamaha Artist, she is a pioneer in remote music education.
Founded in 1943, the Piłsudski Institute of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Poland. Located at 138 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn, the Institute safeguards unique archival collections, library, and art gallery, conducts research on modern Polish history, and provides educational programs that strengthen knowledge of Polish heritage and contributes to shaping Poland’s image abroad. More information on the Institute and its activities can be found at: www.pilsudski.org
[Sources: press release, pilsudski.org]