A concert commemorating the 250th anniversary of Józef Elsner‘s birth took place on 3 June. Born on 1 June 1769, the composer, conductor, pedagogue and music culture activist represents in Polish music the classical style of the pre-Chopin period, based on a combination of the Viennese classics with elements of Polish folk music. Elsner also composed…Continue Reading 250th birth anniversary of Józef Elsner
On May 24-25 2019, the 40th General Assembly of the Members of the Polish Composers’ Union (ZKP) took place in Warsaw. New authorities were elected and a number of resolutions were adopted. Composer Juliusz Łuciuk was chosen as the honorary member of the Polish Composers’ Union. Mieczysław Kominek, musicologist and director of the Polish Music…Continue Reading 40th General Assembly of the Members of the Polish Composers’ Union
The 19th Franciszek Wybrańczyk Sinfonia Varsovia to Its City Festival took place from May 31 – June 7 in Warsaw. Four concerts in three locations on both sides of the river celebrated the 85th birthday anniversary of Franciszek Wybrańczyk, founder of the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra and originator of the Festival. The Festival kicked off with…Continue Reading 2019 “Franciszek Wybrańczyk Sinfonia Varsovia to Its City” Festival
Organized by Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera, the International Stanisław Moniuszko Vocal Competition is the biggest competition of singers in Poland. Maria Fołtyn—Polish soprano, legendary Halka opera director, cultural organizer, and tireless promoter of Stanisław Moniuszko’s oeuvre—established the competition in 1992. Every three years, artists from around the world gather in Warsaw to present…Continue Reading Winners of the 2019 Int’l Moniuszko Vocal Competition
The first festival dedicated to the culture of Warsaw’s Kamionek district—once an industrial area, now turned art hub—was held from June 8-15, 2019. Participants were introduced the locals, artists and non-governmental organizations of contemporary Kamionek through various art-related events: concerts of classical and contemporary music, performances, workshops, exhibits, and bicycle rides with architects. With both indoor…Continue Reading Kamionek Festival in Warsaw
Polish Parliament has declared 2019 the “Year of Stanisław Moniuszko.” In honor of this 200th birth anniversary, the Polish Composers’ Union (ZKP) and Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera have announced an International Stanisław Moniuszko Composers’ Competition for a micro-opera entitled “12 Minutes for Moniuszko.” Stanisław Moniuszko’s stage works incorporate societal issues, everyday life, and…Continue Reading “12 Minutes for Moniuszko” micro-opera competition
Krzysztof Meyer’s Quasi una Sonata for guitar and accordion was premiered on 28 May at the Warsaw Philharmonic. The Institute of Music and Dance commissioned the work as part of the “Composing Commissions” program. Beginning only in the 1820s, the accordion’s history is not as long as those of other instruments. In 1821, Christian Friedrich Ludwig…Continue Reading Premiere of Krzysztof Meyer’s “Quasi una Sonata” at Warsaw Phil
New Items in the Ryterband Collection We were recently visited by Diana Eisele (pictured above), the daughter of Roman Ryterband, who has served as an endless fount of enthusiasm and assistance for building and organizing her father’s collection at the PMC. She came bearing wonderful news—several manuscripts and other materials regarding some of her father’s…Continue Reading Gifts to PMC May 2019