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
New Szymanowski Book Throughout her long and intellectually rich life Teresa Chylińska, the world’s preeminent scholar of Karol Szymanowski, has authored a great number of books and even greater number of articles about this most important mid-20th century Polish composer. Chylińska’s latest book, Karol Szymanowski—Roman, którego nie było? [Karol Szymanowski—A Romance that did not happen?]…Continue Reading Gifts to PMC June 2019
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
The 4th “TRZY-CZTE-RY: Contexts. Contrasts. Confrontations” Festival will take place in Warsaw from May 28 – June 19, 2019. The festival features panel discussions after each concert, allowing the audience to interact with the musicians. This year’s program is devoted to Witold Lutosławski, whose 25th death anniversary fell on February 7. During the inaugural concert, the…Continue Reading 4th TRZY-CZTE-RY Festival
Born This Month June 1, 1909 – Maria DZIEWULSKA, composer and theoretician (d. 2006) June 4, 1845 – Aleksander POLIŃSKI, music historian (d. 1916) June 4, 1784 – Adam CZARNOCKI, music ethnographer (d. 1825) June 5, 1865 – Felicjan SZOPSKI, composer and music critic (d. 1939) June 6, 1929 – Bogusław SCHAEFFER, composer, writer June 12,…Continue Reading June Anniversaries