The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria celebrates the 101st anniversary of Poland’s regained independence and the Year of Moniuszko
26.11.2019
On the occasion of the 101st anniversary of Poland regaining independence and the 200th birthday anniversary of Stanislaw Moniuszko, the Polish Embassy in Poland organized a concert of classical music in the masterful performance of Polish artists – Joanna Maklakiewicz and Marek Bugajski. The programme included the works of Frederic Chopin and Stanislaw Moniuszko, the outstanding Polish composers of the 19th century, whose artistry contributed to the strengthening of the identity of the Polish nation and also to raise the spirits of Poles living abroad.
The celebration was opened by the Ambassador, Mr Andrzej Kanthak. In his speech, he emphasized the significance and uniqueness of the regaining of independence by Poland. He also brought closer to the audience the character of Stanislaw Moniuszko, the brilliant composer, whose creativity to his day inspires many artists. Moniuszko gained international acclaim in his lifetime, especially in the Slavic nations. He created music of national character, intertwined with folk elements. Moniuszko was an artistic personality who changed the shape of Polish opera. His most famous works are the operas “Straszny dwor” (“The Haunted Manor”) and “Halka”. Stanislaw Moniuszko belongs to the group of the 5 most outstanding Polish composers, along with Frederic Chopin, Karol Szymanowski, Witold Lutoslawski and Krzysztof Penderecki. Because of the 200th anniversary of his birth, the Polish Parliament made 2019 “the Year of Stanislaw Moniuszko”. In the resolution it was said that the composer’s output is “impressive with its diversity, melodic richness and deep rooting in the national musical tradition”.
Among the invited guests were opinion-makers; representatives of business, academic, artistic circles, diplomatic corps, the media and the boards of Polish organizations. After the artistic performance, the invited guests had an opportunity to try delicacies of traditional Polish cuisine.
The concert was also an occasion to present the exhibition ”Eternity and a Moment. The Architecture of Independent Poland.” The exhibition covers the period 1919-1939 and presents a very interesting and varied depiction of the architecture created in the time of the Second Polish Republic. It allows the viewer to see how in Poland, which had just regained independence, the surroundings can be shaped in order to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants of cities and to reconcile their various interests without losing anything either in the beauty of architecture or the comfort of life in a large community. Today, we can proudly present the achievements of Polish architects and urban planners of the inter-war period; their search for beauty and comfort in architecture.