Poland sets out Chopin bicentennial stall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Polish organisers of next year's bicentennial of iconic pianist and composer Frederic Chopin on Wednesday revealed the year-long, worldwide programme of events to mark his birth.
"We want to celebrate Frederic Chopin with a broad variety of events: classical concerts and recitals, but also jazz, blues and rock. There'll be operas, ballets, exhibitions, theatre shows, films and cartoons," Poland's Culture Minister Bogdan Zdrojewski told reporters.
Celebrations are to kick off officially on January 7 with a concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic by Chinese pianist Lang Lang - Chopin has an avid following in Asia.
The actual anniversary of his birth, March 1, will see a live-broadcast performance by other virtuoso pianists in Warsaw.
The year will see around 1,300 Chopin concerts in locations ranging from northern Norway to Florida, listed on the dedicated website www.chopin2010.pl.
A highlight will be October's 16th edition of the prestigious international piano competition held every five years in Warsaw to honour Chopin.
The streets of the Polish capital will also buzz to the sound of his works, thanks to 14 "musical benches" where passersby will be able to listen to his music.
The city has launched an eight-language audio guide retracing Chopin's steps, available at www.um.warszawa.pl/wydarzenia/chopin/.
A new Chopin Centre, currently under construction in Warsaw, is due to be inaugurated, while an existing museum in the city documenting his life and work is being renovated.
Chopin was born in the town of Zelazowa Wola, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Warsaw, to a French father and Polish mother. His birthplace has also been refurbished for the bicentennial.
Chopin left Poland in 1830, during a period of upheaval across Europe, moving first to Vienna and then Paris.
He died at the untimely age of 39. His body was buried in France, but his heart was brought back to Poland and lies in a crystal urn inside a pillar in a Warsaw church.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments