Stryjeńska and… all that jazz! (47/2011)

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Charming, sophisticated and elegant - these are the words to best describe an evening of November 18 at the Orchard Lake’s „Galeria”.  The Polish Mission held a gala autumn fundraiser there with singer Kira Frabotta and pianist Mike Jellick.  Both are extremely talented artists.  Frabotta sings in the style of the greatest female jazz vocalists, Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn or Peggy Lee (or among contemporaries, Madeleine Peyroux).  For her recital at the “Galeria” she picked some of the biggest jazz classic songs, including “Cry Me a River”, “Summertime”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Sweet Lorraine”, “I’m in the Mood for Love” and many more.  Each song was arranged in a way that also showcased the talent of pianist Mike Jellick.  He is a jazz virtuoso playing with ease but with great control and mastery. 

For this special occasion Kira prepared an old Polish jazz song and knowing how hard is to learn Polish, we have to commend her for being so brave to learn the Polish lyrics.  Bravo!

Josh James and the St. Mary’s Jazz Orchestra opened the show with a special performance which helped guests to get in the mood.  The orchestra played a few pieces (including Duke Elington’s and Miles Davis’) showcasing talented musicians.  In the era of cutting music programs from schools, it was so refreshing to see so many young people having such passion for music!

Zofia Stryjeńska’s art work on display at the “Galeria”.The event also marked the opening of the largest exhibit in America dedicated to Polish master painter Zofia Stryjeńska.  Stryjeńska is known as the “Princess of Polish Painting,” and her avant garde style consumed her art and her life during the period between the two World Wars.  Stryjeńska’s signature “old meets new” style combined Polish country themes with modern art deco graphic design and vibrant colors.  Her dynamic delivery of that concept made her works some of the most recognizable and influential pieces in the panorama of Polish masters.

Congratulations to “Polish Mission” for organizing this wonderful evening.  Orchard Lake’s “Galeria” seems like a perfect venue for such events.  And we hope to enjoy many, many more in the future.

For more information about “Polish Mission”, please visit www.polishmission.com