On Saturday, 10 April 2010, the Tupolev TU-154 jet carrying Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife,
and several high ranking government officials crashed into the ground 500 meters from the end of the
runway in Smolensk, Russia. All but three died in the crash.
We stand in full solidarity with Poles everywhere in mourning this sudden and tragic loss, the shockwaves
of which have yet to settle.
The Polish First Couple
Kaczyński stood firmly against Soviet communism, serving as a staunch pillar in the
solidarity movement of the 1980s. He did not always stand in agreement with the zeitgeist of the times, but
always stood firm for his nation and her values. The world is a much poorer place for this sudden and devastating loss.
"POLAND IS NOT YET LOST WHEN WE LIVE!"
Upcoming Events
The Chopin 200th Commemoration Recital
Fryderyk Chopin's artistic inspiration blossoms in its fullest splendor in his larger forms.
These works appear on their finished surface insurmountable to the amateur and indeed can push
him or her to the limits. Beyond the technical
considerations are the artistic ones that
disambiguate Chopin within the firmament of classical composers. These are not pieces one
simply learns: they become a part of the pianist as a lifelong project, an extension of
the learner's being, like a fine bordeaux maturing along with the fortunate possessor.
It gives us great pleaure to present on this, Fryderyk's 200th birthday, a selection of these
larger works, as well as a welcome addendum to the previous week's Mazurkathon. We hope
this our
tribute is found to be presented in good taste, a respectful homage to a man who, by
the ethereal mystery that enshrouds his music, seemed
to draw his inspriation from sources beyond the boundaries of the world we know.
The Chopin Mazurkas, Part III
In joyful tribute to the 200th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth on one of the two possible dates, we are pleased
to present on 22 February 2010 a selection of his Mazurkas. Part I of this effort, given the
affectionate appellation "Mazurkathon",
can be found here, and Part II, here.
The Chopin Nocturnes
In respectful commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the death of Fryderyk Chopin on 17 October 2009,
we humbly present a selection of his Nocturnes. Click the banner below.
Unsung Heroes: A Tribute to the late Geoffrey Tozer
The late Australian pianist Geoffrey Tozer devoted his career to the interpretation of the works of obscure
composers. In an unflattering indictment against the mores of our time, his own passing at the age of
54 has gone largely unnoticed.
Held in honor of Mr. Tozer, this recital is an opportunity for pianists of all levels to
follow his example and bring to light a work by a composer whom they feel deserves wider exposure.
In deference to the first anniversary of the passing of Mr. Tozer, the Unsung Heroes e-cital goes live in August 2010.
To sign up, post your selection to this thread. All are warmly welcomed to participate.
