Recent Posts

Most Used Categories

Tag: Music

You are Here :
Art, Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , , , , , , , , ,

Events at the Albany’s Polish Community Center

Craft Fair

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping as the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Polish Community Center presents its Craft Show on Saturday, November 10th from 10am to 3pm. The Center is located at 225 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY. The Center’s Polish/American kitchen will be open, and there will be a baked goods sale. Call (518) 456-3995 for more information.

Andrzejki Dance/bal Andrzejkowy

Andrzejki is the last party before Advent and a chance to have fun before the start of the Christmas season. The Polish Community Center will present its annual Andrzejki Dance on Saturday, November 24th from 7pm till 2am. The Dance features the band SYGNAL (Polish contemporary music – this is not a Polka band). Tickets are $30 per person and include the dinner buffet, snacks at midnight, and desserts. A cash bar will be available. For more information, please call Darius Figiel at (518) 235-6001. Note: There will be no tickets available at the door.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Polish Community Center is sponsoring a trip to the Radio city Christmas Spectacular in New York City. The trip will take place on Saturday, November 17th leaving at 6:30 am from the Polish Community Center at 225 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY. The show begins at 10:00 am at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Participant will have free time for some Christmas shopping and site seeing. Buses will leave to return at 6:30 pm with an approximate arrival back at the Center at 9:00 pm.

Tickets are $105 for PCC members, $65 for children, and $140 for non-PCC members. Price includes an orchestra section ticket and the chartered bus trip. To sign-up, please contact Susan Matala.

SLĄSK Performs

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Polish Community Center has tickets available for Sląsk – the internationally known Song & Dance Ensemble of Poland. Sląsk is conducting a tour of cities across the United States and Canada and will be appearing at Proctor’s Theater, 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 4pm. Ticket are $37, a 20% discount on the regular price of $46. Balcony and orchestra seats available. Please contact Susan Matala for tickets.

Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , , , , ,

Ś+P Daniel J. Kij

Andrew Golebiowski, Chair of the Polish Legacy Project of Buffalo shared the news of the passing of ś.p. Daniel Kij on Tuesday, August 2nd. I had known ś.p. Daniel for years. He was a mainstay in the life of the Western New York and National Polonian community. Andrew writes:

Daniel made a big impact on everyone he came in contact with. You may have known Daniel as a friend, taken a trip to Poland with him, been helped with a search for your family roots or taught how to pronounce your name, or you may have taken part in a Polish-Jewish conversation with him, or even sang with him. You may have merely known him from television, back when he was a frequent advisor to local media during the Solidarity era in Poland.

Those of us who considered him our friend are greatly inspired by his involvement in genealogy and the creation of a Polish Museum of W.N.Y. We hope to match his passion for the community and for knowledge about our heritage and the world we live in.

Photo courtesy of WGRZ Channel 2 News
ś.p. Daniel J. Kij of Lackawanna, New York. Beloved husband of the late Alicya (nee Lasota) Kij; dearest father of Valerie (Carl) Longfellow; loving grandfather of Benjamin, Nicholas and Audrey; son of the late Dr. Joseph F. Sr. and Wanda Kij; brother of Dr. Joseph F. Kij Jr. The family will be present to receive friends Sunday from 1 to 5 pm at the (Blasdell/Lackawanna Chapel) of the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home, 3450 South Park Avenue where prayers will be said Monday morning at 8:45 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Angels Church at 9:30. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Mr. Kij was past president of the Polish Singers Alliance, the Polish Union of America, and the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Wieczne odpoczynek racz im dać Panie, a światłość wiekuista niechaj im świeci.
Niech odpoczywają w pokoju, Amen.

Art, Christian Witness, , ,

A joyful noise

From CBS 60 Minutes: Joy in the Congo: A musical miracle

“Joy in the Congo” seems an unlikely — even impossible — title for a story from the Congo, considering the searing poverty and brutal civil war that have decimated that country. Yet in Kinshasa, the capital city, we found an unforgettable symphony orchestra — 200 singers and instrumentalists defying the poverty, hardship, and struggles of life in the world’s poorest country…and creating some of the most moving music we have ever heard. Follow Bob Simon to the Congo to hear the sounds and stories of the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra.

Art, Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , ,

King Roger – this summer at the Santa Fe Opera

The Santa Fe Opera will present Karol Szymanowski’s opera King Roger this summer starring Mariusz Kwiecien.

King Roger, an opera in 3 acts, with music by Karol Szymanowski and the libretto by the composer and Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz premiered on June 19, 1926 in Warsaw, Poland.

The opera originated from Szymanowski’s enthusiasm for Mediterranean culture as a melting pot of different peoples and religions. The opera is set in 12th Century Sicily and relates to the enlightenment of Christian King Roger II by a young shepherd who represents pagan ideals.

The Kosciuszko Foundation invites you to meet Stephen Wadsworth and members of the King Roger creative team on Thursday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Foundation, 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY. The presentation includes a panel discussion with Stephen Wadsworth, Director and Ann Hould-Ward, Costume Designer. There will also be a musical performance with Haeren Hong, Soprano and Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, Pianist. Contact the Foundation at 212-734-2130 for more information. Tickets are $25 per person or $20 for students and members.

Tickets to King Roger can be obtained through the Santa Fe Opera Box Office at 800-280-4654.

I had an opportunity to see King Roger at its third United States performance in Buffalo, New York. It is well worthwhile.

Art, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , ,

Upcoming Piano Recital by Maciej Grzybowski

A Recital by a noted virtuoso from Poland, Maciej Grzybowski, will take place at the First Presbyterian Church (1220 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90401) on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The program will include music by Polish composers (Paweł Mykietyn, Witold Lutosławski, Paweł Szymański, Fryderyk Chopin), and Western classics – Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel.

Born and educated in Warsaw, Poland, Mr. Grzybowski, the winner of numerous prizes, has recorded for EMI and other companies, participated in festivals in Europe, Asia and the Americas, and has championed Polish music worldwide. Bohdan Pociej, one of the most famous Polish music critics said: “How refreshing and exciting it is to be in the presence of such great art of interpretation!”

The program is presented by the Helena Modjeska Art and Culture Club. Tickets are $15 at the door. Contact Krystyna Bartkowski at 818-248-3713 for more information and to make a reservation.

Art, Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , , ,

Events at the University of Michigan

Political Science and Music at the University of Michigan
By Raymond Rolak

ANN ARBOR– Two special events will be presented on the campus of the University of Michigan as part of the Center of Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. On Tuesday, April 17, at 4 p.m., the former President of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski, and former Czech Prime Minister, Petr Pithart, will be speaking at the Rackham Auditorium. There will also be a panel dialogue and both will be on the dais addressing: “The European Crisis: A View from Warsaw and Prague.”

The special guests because of their insight and wealth of experiences will offer their own unique perspectives on recent events in Europe. Highlighted will be the challenges that become associated with political changes and successes in emerging democracies. The program is part of the continuing education series of the Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies.

On Wednesday, April 18, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 P.M., CREES and the Center for International Studies will have a noontime concert and enrichment presentation on “Jewish Music in the Time of the Holocaust.” The music of Czech-Jewish composer Pavel Haas will be showcased. Haas managed to compose songs while interred at the Terezín concentration camp. Presenters will include: Timothy Cheek, associate professor of voice, Caroline Helton, assistant professor of voice, Kathryn Goodson, piano and Allen Schrott, bass-baritone.

In an unassociated coincidence of music and politics, 120 years ago, Ignace Jan Paderewski made his first of six visits to the University of Michigan campus to perform one of his renowned piano concerts. The beloved Polish patriot did a benefit performance for women’s sports on February 18, 1892.

The former Prime Minister of Poland in 1919 always was open to discuss and lobby for a free Poland. He amassed a large fortune through his musical enterprises, most of which he donated to the service of Poland and the benefit of needy musicians and Jewish refugees.

Art, Media, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Xpost to PGF, ,

Feel – American Tour Review

“Feel” Connects on American Tour
By Raymond Rolak

HAMTRAMCK– After a standing room only concert here at the PNA Concert Hall on Conant Avenue, the rock-pop band FEEL from Katowice, Poland had to rush off to play a gig in Chicago. The entourage took the train from Detroit to Chicago the next day to play The Club in Burbank, Illinois.

Post concert, FEEL was gracious after their Detroit performance and signed CD’s and posters and mingled with their supporters. With a few piwa’s to re-hydrate, after concert talk was primarily in Polish and the band members all knew that Techno-Music had its roots and history founded in Detroit.

The PNA Concert Hall in Hamtramck rocked as lead vocalist Piotr Kupicha wowed with an over two hour set and energized his audience while interfacing with the crowd. It was obvious that his on-stage presence connected with an all-age audience as “Feel” went through their repertoire of Polish hit songs.

The evening was a Polish musical showcase as local Polish-American rapper Dzejo started with a warm-up set and then Magda Kaminski got things really moving along. Kaminski did a few numbers from her CD, “This is Me.” The venue lent a good platform as Marcin Kindla showed off his warm but powerful vocals with some softer stylings. He also really connected with the primarily Polish crowd that rushed in to be front and center of the stage.

The presentations started late so the audience was ready. Emcee Rafal Nowakowski kept everyone informed so the attendance was anxious and anticipating the main attraction. “Feel” worked without a break and Kupicha had the audience wanting more as he did a couple of interaction numbers. The group sang all their popular Polish radio hits with two encores.

Before the concert Kupicha told me music was in his in his heritage as his grandfather, also Piotr, was a professional musician in Silesia. “Dzia-Dzia was a violinist,” he said in broken English. “So strings are in my bloodline,” he added smiling. He laughed even more with my broken Polish and the band members giggled with halting sign language augmentations. There was no barrier with communication though and we talked a bit about the international language of music. “Music is the global ambassador, I agree,” added the talented songwriter. Polish native Anya Nowakowski helped with the tougher translations and in depth questions. She was laughing with enthusiasm also. Idioms don’t get translated well sometimes.

While relaxing in the ready room Kupicha had questions about the Detroit Red Wings as most of the group knew about the local long time NHL ice-hockey success of this area. Group spokesman, Wojtek Grzesiok, told of the time a few years ago that former Polish hockey star Mariusz Czerkawski got Kupicha to play in a celebrity ice-hockey game in Poland. “No one expected Piotr to be so fast,” added Grzesiok. “Just like on the guitar, Piotr skated fast.”

In one of Kupicha’s songs he reached the audience with a soft staccato feel, “Listen-Listen,” he sang in Polish. It was colorful and touching to the audience. Offerings from their new CD “Feel-3” were front and center throughout the sets. An old favorite, “And When the Dusk Comes” got the crowd really moving (A gdy jest już ciemno).

Grzesiok said they had been looking forward to the Detroit date as it was the first time for “Feel” to play in this area. After this performance it won’t be the last. The only wrinkle in the evening was that the very popular Sebastian Riedel popped a disk in his back and was trying to recuperate at the band’s hotel. He wasn’t able to perform in Chicago either.

Local music promoters from Telewizja-Detroit and Kozi Vodka had the small concert ballroom set just right. Co-producer Tomasz Czuprynski said, “This is a great location and with this response we will do it again here.”

Hamtramck sausage provider Srodek’s was popular with the band and their post concert smoked sausage and pierogi offerings were well received. On this tour, “Feel” had previously played in New Britain, Connecticut, Brooklyn, New York and Passaic, New Jersey.

FEEL- Piotr Kupicha– Lead Vocals and Guitar, Łukasz Kożuch– Keyboard, Michał Nowak– Bass, Michał Opaliński– Percussion, Paweł Pawłowski- Guitar

"Feel" the pop-rockers from Katowice, Poland did a two hour plus performance at the PNA Concert Hall in Hamtramck and lead singer Piotr Kupicha wowed at the standing-room-only event. The concert was promoted by Telewizja-Detroit. Photo courtesy of the ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK

Art, Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

Mozart’s Sister in New York

The Kosciusko Foundation Presents “Mozart’s Sister”
By Raymond Rolak, Weronika Lukaszewska contributing

NEW YORK– With one showing on Sunday January 22, 2012 at 5p.m., the Kosciusko Foundation is presenting “Mozart’s Sister” starring Sylvia Milo. A veteran New York stage performer, Milo conceived the storyline and showcase concept that is including other Polish musicians and theater entertainers.

Milo, originally from Warsaw, Poland, graduated from New York University and the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. She currently performs in repertory at the Flea Theater in NYC. Sylvia is also an accomplished acoustic and electric violinist.

The narrative tells of Maria Anna (Marianne) Mozart who was a keyboard virtuoso, composer, and child prodigy in her own right. She toured Europe often in the late 1700’s and performed with her more famous younger brother, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When still children and Maria Anna being five years older, she was often billed as the headliner. She went by her nickname Nannerl Mozart. There is new historical evidence she was an outstanding composer also.

A French film released in 2010 starring Marie Feret had the same title.

Sylvia Milo as Nannerl Mozart

Art, PNCC, , , , ,

On the National United Choirs Workshop

From The Dispatch: Music workshop wraps up with two free concerts

“Music of the Eastern European Church,” a free concert by the Ekumin Chorale, an 8-part a capella choir, under the direction of Patrick M. Marcinka, was presented at Holy Mother of Sorrows Polish National Catholic Church in Dupont Thursday night.

The concert was offered in conjunction with the 22nd Music Workshop of the National Choirs held at Holy Mother of Sorrows.

A second free concert was presented on Friday night by the participants of the workshop as a culmination of what was taught. The Friday concert showcased hymns from the new Polish/English Hymnal as well as other spiritually uplifting music.

Rev. Zbigniew Dawid is pastor of Holy Mother of Sorrows church.

All Right Reserved © 2005 - 2023