Polish Times - Czas Polski - tygodnik polski w Detroit, USA

“From Poland with Love” was the theme of the concert of the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra Friday, November 12, at the “Ford Community & Performing Arts Center”. 

The orchestra under the direction of Kypros Markou presented the music of Frederic Chopin (Piano Concerto No. 2), Stanisław Moniuszko (Overture to the opera “Halka”), Mieczysław Karłowicz (Stanisław & Anna of Oświęcim Symphonic Poem) and Witold Lutosławski (“Little Suite”).

A concert hall was filled almost to its capacity, thanks in part to a wide promotion of the event by local Polish-American media and Polish American Congress-Michigan Division.  It was very important to make this wonderful evening of Polish music a success, as it may lead to organizing more “Polish-theme” concerts in the future.

The concert opened with Stanisław Moniuszko’s Overture to the opera “Halka”, regarded as Poland’s national opera.  While the story is tragic, the overture is a lovely little bubbly curtain raiser, filled with patriotic Polish folk themes.
The concert continued with Frederic Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2.  It was young, desperate love that inspired Concerto by the teenage Chopin.  The piece was performed by guest soloist of the evening, Kazimierz Brzozowski, a world-renowned pianist.  He is known for his captivating live performances, in particular the music of Chopin. 

The love-inspired music continued with the tragic true story and song of fatal attraction of “Stanisław & Anna of Oświęcim” by Mieczysław Karłowicz.

The concert ended, as it began, with a lively, happy compostition, “Little Suite” by Witold Lutosławski.  The music is based on Polish folk music from the region of the village of Mochowo in southeastern Poland.

Overall it was a grand evening of Polish culture!  And the director the orchestra, Kypros Markou was also very happy.  After the concert he told “Polish Times” that everything turned out great.  To make guests even more welcome he managed to learn a few Polish words.  “And now please enjoy Polish, beautiful music” - he said opening the concert, without making a one mistake and with a perfect pronunciation.

And we really did enjoy it!  Thank you Dearborn Symphony Orchestra!  Thank you Kazimierz Brzozowski!  And thank you to everyone who made this event possible!  (seb)