Paderewski was born in Podolia and received his formal musical education in Warsaw. As his career progressed, he moved his home all around the world, continuing his studies in Berlin and Vienna, performing across Europe and America, and eventually settling in Switzerland. So, how does Wielkopolska fit into his story? Over the years, Paderewski performed in several towns in the region and made personal visits to Wielkopolska as well. The most significant visit came in December 1918. Paderewski arrived in Gdańsk with a British government delegation to support the newly emerging state formed after the partitions. Persuaded by Wojciech Korfanty, he altered his route, deciding to visit Poznań before heading to Warsaw. Despite attempts by German authorities to prevent his arrival, Paderewski made it to the city, where he delivered a speech from the balcony of the Bazar Hotel. Though the speech was not a direct call to arms, it referred to solidarity and national pride. His visit sparked fervent pro-Polish demonstrations, intensifying already high tensions between the Polish and German communities. The following day, the Germans responded with counter-demonstrations. Shots were fired, leading eventually to street clashes and a full-blown insurrection, now known as the Wielkopolska Uprising.
This deep connection means Paderewski is commemorated in Wielkopolska in many ways: as the patron of schools and streets and on each anniversary of the uprising. Re-enacting his arrival in the city is now part of Poznań's tradition. His music also endures, undiminished by politics, appearing regularly in concert programmes. His only opera, Manru, was last staged at the Grand Theatre in 2018. A fresh take on his life story was offered in 2020 by the Muzyczny Theatre with the premiere of Virtuoso, a musical still in production today. It was during preparations for this performance that the idea of a festival dedicated to Paderewski emerged.
The idea took shape, and this year marks the third Paderewski Festival. It will cover not only his work but also offer a broader perspective on his music. The programme includes lectures, concerts, theatre performances, and an album launch. Paderewski's influence extended beyond Poznań, so events are planned in other towns as well. Maria Gabryś-Heyke will perform at the Jankowice Palace, and the Ah Duo, a guitar and harp pair, will play at the manor in Skrzynki. In Wągrowiec, Poznań, and Komorniki, Krzysztof Herdzin will present a set of improvisations inspired by Paderewski's compositions. The festival will also travel to Stęszew, Rokietnica, and Murowana Goślina.
The Poznań segment of the festival will open with a meeting with Agnieszka Kamińska, author of Switzerland: A Journey through an Imaginary Paradise. The festival's Swiss theme is no coincidence, as Paderewski spent over 40 years there. This theme will be further explored through a conference at the Museum of Musical Instruments and a Polish-Swiss evening featuring the composer's songs in Murowana Goślina. The festival's musical launch will feature the Meccore String Quartet performing works by Szymanowski, Paderewski, and Beethoven. The following day, there will be a concert for students of the 6th Secondary School, named after the festival's patron. Harpsichordist Dorota Cybulska-Amsler will present a unique perspective on Paderewski's music, with a focus on his Baroque inspirations. The festival also coincides with the release of an album featuring all of Paderewski's songs, performed by soprano Marzena Michałowska and Małgorzata Sajna-Mataczyńska. The artists will promote the album during a concert in the White Hall of the Town Hall on 8 November. The programme also features Virtuoso, the musical, and a Poetry Salon hosted by the Muzyczny Theatre on 10 November. This will be the 100th edition of the Poetry Salon, featuring Anna Dymna, the founder of the poetic gatherings, and actor Aleksander Machalica, who will perform texts by Adam Mickiewicz set to Paderewski's music. An important highlight of the festival will be a piano recital by Hyuk Lee, a finalist in the 2021 Chopin Competition, also scheduled for 10 November. Among the musical and literary events, a unique offering will be a walking tour tracing Paderewski's footsteps on 9 November, beginning at the Summer Station, the site of his arrival in Poznań in 1918.
For a few days in November, Poznań will be filled with Paderewski's legacy. With its wide range of perspectives and inspirations, the festival programme is certain to engage all attendees.
Paweł Binek
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
3rd Paderewski Festival, Bazar Poznański, Muzyczny Theatre and others, 7-12 November, free admission to most events (tickets required for free events), tickets for paid events available at bilety24.pl
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2024