Homage to Karol Szymanowski

 Karol Szymanowski besides Frederic Chopin and Stanislaw Moniuszko is considered one of the most renowned Polish composers in the history.

WASHINGTON DC: 125th Birthday Celebration. Polish composer Karol Szymanowski could not have asked for a better present for his landmark birthday than the chamber concert of his music here on October 6, 2007 at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. Cultural Counselor Mariusz Brymora hosted the event, under the cordial auspices of Ambassador Janusz Reiter.


Szymanowski concert by Kijanowska


Featured was pianist Anna Kijanowska (pictured above), first accompanied by violinist Sharon Roffman and then by cellist Clancy Newman. They all presented a most demanding and delightful musical program that fully exhibited their respective accomplished talents and skills to the highest professional degree. The audience especially appreciated the 10 short mazurkas by soloist Kijanowska played on the Embassy’s historic Steinway grand piano that had once belonged to the legendary Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

Pianist Kijanowska, currently an associate professor at William&Mary College, began her musical education in Poland at the age of seven. Her formal piano studies commenced in 1992 at the Szymanowski Music Academy in Katowice. It then formally continued at the Music Academy in Wroclaw where she earned a Master Degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. Kijanowska also holds a Doctorate Degree and a Master of Music in Piano Performance Degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. The artist is recognized as “one of the most brilliant pianist of her generation,” as well as a devoted and enthusiastic promoter of Szymanowski’s music and prominence.

Composer Szymanowski and concert pianist Kijanowska comprised quite a dynamic duo on this evening of exquisite composition and masterfully executed music. It was a prominent milestone birthday well worth the 125 years of waiting for the enthralling experience of the unique celebration.

To enjoy a samples of the aforementioned music, and for additional supportive information, please visit web site www.AnnaKijanowska.com.

text and photographs by Richard P. Poremski, contact the author by e-mail
this article was published originally in Polish-American Journal
Washington, DC Bureau; November 2, 2007



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I recommend Szymanowski music Szymanowski: Symphonies #2-4, Harnasie, 2 Mazurkas, Concert Overture in E



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