VI Schubert Days in Tarnów

The VI edition of Schubert Days in Tarnów continued on January 31st with a captivating piano recital featuring Anna Dębowska-Jaroszek and Ewelina Panocha. Held in the elegant ballroom of the Sanguszko Palace, the evening was a perfect blend of Schubert’s romantic lyricism and the brilliance of Polish composer Maurycy Moszkowski.

From the very first notes of Schubert’s Rondo A-Dur D 951, Dębowska-Jaroszek and Panocha demonstrated exquisite musical chemistry, seamlessly intertwining their parts with precision and expressive depth. The piece’s lively yet refined character was beautifully conveyed, with crisp articulation and expressive phrasing highlighting Schubert’s signature melodic fluidity.

The recital continued with Schubert’s Divertissement à la Hongroise, D 818, a piece infused with Hungarian folk motifs and rhythmic vitality. Dębowska-Jaroszek and Panocha captured the essence of its contrasting sections with remarkable sensitivity. The duo skillfully emphasized the piece’s Hungarian character, highlighting its rhythmic drive and expressive flair. Their interpretation balanced elegance with spontaneity, resulting in a performance that was both refined and full of character.

The program then transitioned to Moszkowski’s Polish Dances, Op. 55, a work full of rhythmic vitality and nostalgic introspection. The duo brought out the folkloric spirit of these dances with skillful technique and a rich, warm tone. Their interpretation was both nuanced and full of energy, capturing the essence of Moszkowski’s dynamic and colorful style. The first two dances radiated liveliness and rhythmic drive, bursting with playful energy, while the third took on a more reflective, wistful character. Here, Dębowska-Jaroszek and Panocha allowed the melody to unfold with sensitivity and grace, drawing out its nostalgic essence. The set concluded with another lively and spirited dance, bringing the performance to an energetic close.

The historic setting of the Sanguszko Palace added an extra dimension to the evening, with its acoustics enhancing the nuances of the pianists’ performance. The audience responded with enthusiasm, clearly captivated by the expressive contrasts and technical finesse of both artists.

This concert reaffirmed the Schubert Days Festival as a cultural highlight in Tarnów, offering a night of both elegance and musical depth. Anna Dębowska-Jaroszek and Ewelina Panocha delivered a recital that was not only technically masterful but also deeply expressive, leaving the audience with a profound appreciation for both Schubert and Moszkowski’s compositions.

In a remarkable tribute to the distinguished pianist and pedagogue, Prof. Andrzej Pikul, two concerts were held on April 26 and 27, 2024, showcasing the talent and dedication of his students and colleagues, including Anna Dębowska. These events highlighted both the pedagogical legacy and the artistic prowess of Prof. Pikul, who is a revered figure at the Academy of Music in Kraków.

The first concert on April 26 featured, inter allia, Franz Schubert’s Marche Militaire in G major D. 733 No. 3, Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dances WoO 1 No. 4 & 6 as well as Samuel Barber’s Pas de deux (Souvenirs op. 28) and Schottische (Souvenirs op. 28) as performed by a piano duo performance – Prof. Andrzej Pikul and his former student, now accomplished pianist, Anna Dębowska. Their synergy on stage was palpable, and the interplay between the two pianists was a testament to the profound influence of teacher on student.

Prof. Pikul’s words resonated deeply with those in attendance: „The successes of my graduates, among whom there are now two professors, are what bring me the greatest joy.” This sentiment was evident in the performances, as the evening served not only as a celebration of his career but also of the thriving musical community he has nurtured.

Anna performed also during the second concert on April 27 with Chopim’s Nocturne in f sharp minor op 48 No 2. The evening also showcased a range of other talented and acknowledged musicians: tenor Zdzisław Madej, soprano Katarzyna Oleś-Blacha, horn player Paweł Cal, sopranos Sylwia Olszyńska and Wiktoria Zawistowska, mezzosopranos Katarzyna Suska-Zagórska, pianists Piotr Kowal, Radosław Goździkowski, and Mateusz Zubik. Each performer brought their own unique artistry to the stage, contributing to a rich and varied musical experience.

The two concerts in honor of Prof. Andrzej Pikul were not just a celebration of his illustrious career, but also a reflection of his lasting impact on the musical world. The performances by his students and colleagues demonstrated the high level of artistry and dedication that he has inspired. These events were a fitting tribute to a remarkable educator and musician, whose legacy continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Kraków and beyond.

On 12 May 2024 in Drummohr House, Scotland, Anna Dębowska and Poland’s soprano Katarzyna Oleś-Blacha restaged the concert F. Chopin originally gave on 7 July 1848 at the residence of Lord Falmouth, London. The audience at Drummohr House more than appreciated the performance, rewarding the musicians with a deafening standing ovation. Thus, Anna, as part of the Jane Stirling Project, has restaged all the public concerts Chopin gave in the UK in 1848.

Spoken word on the history of Drummohr House was given by the owner of the house Finlay M. Lockie and on the background of the concert by Marcin Jaroszek.

On 7 July 1848 Chopin was accompanied by his friend Pauline Viardot and her cousin Antonia de Medni, with whom he had performed in the Pleyel Salon in Paris. As usuall, preparations for the concert were not easy. It was difficult to obtain from Chopin precise information regarding what he was going to play, which is the reason why parts of the programme were vague with just suggestions of the compositions to be performed. Other compositions performed inclided Pauline Viardot’s arrangements of several mazourkas by F. Chopin as well as a number of songs by her father.

Program

ANDANTE SOSTENUTO ET SCHERZO (Op. 31) ……………………… Chopin
MAZOURKAS DE CHOPIN, arrangees par Madame Viardot Garcia
Madame VIARDOT GARCIA et Mlle, DE MENDI
ETUDES (19,13, et 14) …………………………………………………… Chopin
AIR, “Ich denke dein” ………………………………………………. Beethoven
Madame VIARDOT GARCIA
NOCTURNE ET BERCEUSE ………………………………………………. Chopin
RONDO, “Non Piu mesta” …….(Cenerentola)………….. Rossini
Madame VIARDOT GARCIA
PRELUDES, MAZOURKAS, BALLADE, VALSES …………………….. Chopin
AIRS ESPAGNOLES, Madame VIARDOT GARCIA
et Mlle, DE MENDI

On May 28, 2023, the enchanting larch wood church of St. Sebastian in Wieliczka was the venue for a mesmerizing concert titled „MUZYKA W POLICHROMIACH I SŁOWIE ZAMKNIĘTA.” The event featured a stellar lineup of performers, including the renowned soprano Katarzyna Oleś-Blacha, Anna Dębowska-Jaroszek, and other musicians including pianist Marta Mołodyńska-Wheeler, mezzo-soprano Monika Korybalska, tenor Karol Ciszek, and the expressive narrator Agnieszka Draus.

Anna’s interpretations of the compositions by F. Maklakiewicz, M. Karłowicz, S. Bereza, F. Chopin, K. Szymanowski, and L. Różycki were both profound and captivating, weaving seamlessly with the other elements of the concert.

The evening was further enhanced by the inclusion of poetry from Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer and Stanisław Wyspiański. These literary pieces were not only recited but also beautifully sung, adding depth and texture to the musical experience. The combination of music and spoken word created a powerful synergy, bringing the polychromatic artwork of Włodzimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer to life in a unique and compelling way.

The concert was organized by the City and Municipality of Wieliczka, in collaboration with the parish priest of St. Sebastian, Fr. Mateusz Rys, and under the esteemed patronage of Artur Kozioł, the Mayor of the City and Municipality of Wieliczka. This collaboration ensured that the event was not only a celebration of music and art but also a testament to the community’s dedication to cultural enrichment.