Our colleagues at the Polish Chamber Musicians’ Association [Stowarzyszenie Polskich Muzyków Kameralistów, or SPMK] have a very busy fall planned for this year, starting with a September full of offerings across the globe. Beginning in New York City, members of the SPMK will perform two concerts celebrating primarily works by Polish-Jewish composers. First on September…Continue Reading SPMK in US & Kraków in September
Polish composer Marcel Chyrzyński was recently recognized with two Silver Medals at the prestigious Global Music Awards (USA), in the category of Contemporary Classical – Composer. In March 2025, Chyrzyński was awarded for works featured on the album Marcel Chyrzyński – Chamber Works (DUX 2001), recorded by Piotr Lato (clarinet), Wojciech Koprowski (violin), Jan Kalinowski…Continue Reading Chyrzyński Honored & PMC Spring Concert Preview
A Summary by Marek Zebrowski Administered by the annual Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles and its partners in Poland, this year’s Youth Cultural Exchange Program was held from June 27 until July 13, 2025. Two California students—winners of the Festival’s Youth Piano Competition, held annually in Paso Robles—travelled for well over two weeks of concerts,…Continue Reading 2025 Paderewski Festival Cultural Exchange Program in Poland
Presented on the evening of October 19 in USC’s Newman Recital Hall, the PMC’s 2025 Paderewski Lecture-Recital will explore the artistic and intellectual legacy of Szymon Laks (1901-1983). A Paris-based Polish composer, writer and philosopher, Laks’s music uniquely balances elements of French modernism, Polish folk music and American jazz. Guest lecturer Dr. Grzegorz Mania (pictured…Continue Reading Save the Date for the 2025 Paderewski Lecture Recital!
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of composer Rafał Zapała. Born in 1975, he was a vital part of Poland’s musical community—an esteemed colleague and friend to many. Known for his boundless creativity and tireless activity, he contributed to numerous collaborative projects and was an important figure on the contemporary…Continue Reading Rafał Zapała (1975–2025)
The upcoming 2nd edition of the IMAGINE – Culture Without Borders Festival, taking place from August 14 to 17, 2025 in Kazimierz Dolny in Poland, will bring together artists from around the world for a series of concerts and exhibitions highlighting intercultural dialogue through the arts. The festival program features a wide range of performances,…Continue Reading ‘IMAGINE – Culture Without Borders’ 2025 Festival
In early July, an album devoted entirely to the works of Marta Ptaszyńska was released on the Naxos label. Entitled “M. Ptaszyńska: Double Concerto / Concerto grosso / SE-TA” (Naxos 8.579173), the album includes the following of composer’s works: According to the composer, “it is an excellent performance with outstanding soloists and excellent orchestra of…Continue Reading Ptaszyńska’s Music on Recordings and Stage
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., acclaimed Polish jazz vocalist Aga Zaryan will appear live in concert at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood, California. Presented by the Paderewski Music Society and Moonrise Press, this special event marks the first public performance of material from Picking Up the Pieces 2, Zaryan’s upcoming album featuring…Continue Reading Aga Zaryan in Concert – August 9, LA
The 48th Karol Szymanowski Music Festival will take place in Zakopane, Poland, from July 25 to August 3, 2025, with this year’s edition centered around the theme of the fugue. The program, curated by Artistic Director Piotr Sałajczyk, highlights Szymanowski’s Symphony No. 2, featuring a final fugue movement to be performed by the Beethoven Academy…Continue Reading 2025 Karol Szymanowski Music Festival
Our friend Dr. Andrzej Brylak from the USC Dornsife Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures shared with us a great video introducing the Polish language program at USC. Polish classes at USC are small, engaging, and packed with opportunities. From your very first day, students start speaking and exploring Poland’s literature, film, and history. Watch…Continue Reading Polish Classes at USC