Poland in South Africa

The artist presented pieces of Polish early, folk and traditional music, which inspired the work of Fryderyk Chopin. Prof Maria Pomianowska presented also her own compositions dedicated to reconstructed instruments. Professor Maria Pomianowska gave a short lecture about the process of reconstructing forgotten old Polish instruments and their participation in the music for the film “Peasants”, which was the Polish candidate for the Oscar award. Ambassador Adam Burakowski gave a speech on the occasion. As part of this event, an exhibition presenting the life and work of Fryderyk Chopin was also organised. The exhibition, which was created in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Museum.

The concert is a journey through the world of Polish folk and classical music from the Middle Ages to the present day. It has long been known that in classical music, reaching for folklore is associated with a fascination with antiquity, specificity and simplicity of folk music. Its own, autonomous beauty may be the first reason for the interest of a professional creator. Although the works of Polish composers are written mainly for classical instruments, their richness of textures encourage searching for other colours for them, and thus sound values. By juxtaposing classical and folk sounds, an artistic message is created which is addressed to a very wide audience located in contemporary reality.

The concert included works by Polish composers: Fryderyk Chopin and Stanisław Moniuszko arranged for classical, folk and early instruments. The program will also include folk pieces from various parts of Poland. An important element that ties the entire program together is improvisation resulting from inspiration by the music of outstanding Polish composers and the rhythms and melodies of the Polish countryside. In this way, the "Pearls of Polish Music" create a homogeneous whole with an innovative character. The event aroused great interest and attracted about 150 people, including representatives of DIRCO, the diplomatic corps, academic, opinion-forming, artistic circles, the media and the Polish diaspora.

Photos: Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland