Tag: Newsletter

Premiere of Gorzycki Opera “Lustro” – Recording Now Available

On November 11, 2025, the Art Mintaka Foundation presented the world premiere of Rafał Gorzycki’s contemporary opera Lustro [The Mirror] in the Opera Hall of the New Campus of the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. The performance, directed by Kamila Siwińska with a libretto by Małgorzata Sikorska-Miszczuk, brought together several leading Polish ensembles…Continue Reading Premiere of Gorzycki Opera “Lustro” – Recording Now Available

World Premiere of Sikora Opera “Dorian Gray”

On November 23, 2025, Teatr Wielki in Poznań will present the world premiere of Dorian Gray, a new opera by acclaimed composer Elżbieta Sikora and directed by David Pountney. Additional performances are scheduled for November 25, 27, and 29. Sikora’s opera draws on Oscar Wilde’s well-known novel, tracing the story of a young man who…Continue Reading World Premiere of Sikora Opera “Dorian Gray”

Gifts to PMC: Sept-Oct 2025

During the past two months our library holdings have been expanded by a few significant donations. Dr. Piotr Hapanowicz, curator and head of the Krzysztofory Palace Museum, gifted us a fascinating book, Zagadkowy Kraków [The Puzzling Kraków], covering the history of Poland’s first major capital. Filled with engaging facts, captivating stories and graced by fine…Continue Reading Gifts to PMC: Sept-Oct 2025

The Lady Is Not for Turning

by Marek Zebrowski  I devoted my entire life to editorial work—that is to helping other authors avoid the improper use of words. Because, I think, words are the most important thing we have. -Teresa Chylińska, from the interview “O wszystkim z kulturą” with Polskie Radio Dwójka [undated] With great sadness and much regret, we note…Continue Reading The Lady Is Not for Turning

5th Int’l ‘Musical Eagles’ Competition

On September 20, 2025, long-time PMC colleagues pianist Marek Szlezer, cellist Jan Kalinowski, and composer Marcel Chyrzyński were celebrated during the 5th edition of the International Competition ‘Muzyczne Orły [Musical Eagles]‘. Jan Kalinowski, Marek Szlezer, Wojciech Koprowski, and Piotr Lato received a distinction in the Phonograph Record category for their album of chamber works by Marcel Chyrzyński….Continue Reading 5th Int’l ‘Musical Eagles’ Competition

Honoring Tad Taube

Philanthropist and civil servant Thaddeus “Tad” Taube passed away on September 13, 2025 at the age of 94, at his home in San Mateo County, California. Born in Kraków in 1931, he left Poland with his family before the outbreak of World War II, and dedicated his life and philanthropy to furthering the Polish-Jewish dialogue…Continue Reading Honoring Tad Taube

Stanisław Soyka (1959–2025): Obituary

Stanisław Soyka, renowned Polish musician, has died at the age of 66. Known for his distinctive voice and emotional interpretations, Soyka blended jazz, pop, soul, classical music and sung poetry, becoming one of the most celebrated interpreters of Polish song. Born in Żory and educated in Gliwice, he debuted at the Jazz Jamboree festival at…Continue Reading Stanisław Soyka (1959–2025): Obituary

Rafał Zapała (1975–2025)

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)

Ptaszyńska’s Music on Recordings and Stage

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

Polish Classes at USC

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