Polish independence centenary celebrated in LA
PR dla Zagranicy
Grzegorz Siwicki
05.11.2018 17:00
A concert marking the centenary of Poland's regained independence was due to be held at Zipper Hall in Los Angeles on Monday.
Photo: Free-Photos/pixabay.com/CC0 Creative Commons
American pianist Kate Liu was billed to perform a selection of works by Beethoven and Chopin as well as Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a virtuoso pianist and composer who was one of the architects of Polish independence a century ago.
Diplomats, local officials and members of the area’s Polish community were expected to be among the audience for the event, which has been co-organised by the Polish National Foundation and the Polish Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Polish senator Anna Maria Anders was also scheduled to attend.
Guests could count on attractions including a post-concert reception with wine served from the Paderewski Vineyard, which the Polish pianist founded close to Paso Robles, California, at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Paderewski property has since then changed hands several times over the years. Its current owners, Denver residents Bill and Liz Armstrong, continue to produce wine, including from zinfandel grapes originally planted by Paderewski.
Kate Liu in 2015 won third prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. She also won a special award for her interpretation of a Chopin mazurka at the time.
(mk/gs)