Brendan at the Kosciuszko monument in Chicago

Brendan, a Graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, worked for “Opera Australia” as trombonist in the years 1991-2002. He currently holds the permanent position of Composer-in-Residence at Barker College. He has always had a fascination with composition, writing instrumental and vocal works from as early as he can remember.

Collins’ compositions have been performed by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia Brass, Canberra School of Music Brass Ensemble and the Wollongong Youth Orchestra. His “Kosciuszko” composition is being played by “Grainger Wind Symphony” (Melbourne), “Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble” (Sydney) and several college bands.

I asked Brendan to tell me more about his composition. He said, it reflects three aspects of the life of Kosciuszko. After some plaintive themes reminiscent of Polish folk tunes, the first section represents Kosciuszko’s battle for freedom in his native homeland against the Russians and Prussians. The music reflects the chaos of war and the clash of tonality helps to represent the mayhem of battle.

December in Chicago

Brendan with his son at the Chicago Bean

The second section of the work represents Kosciuszko’s American experience. The music is open, free and hopeful, representing the ‘New World’. Kosciuszko served with distinction in Washington’s army and was instrumental in the success of many battles including the blockade of Charleston and the victory at Saratoga. As he was in Poland, Kosciuszko was a tireless defender of freedom in America and he used his military knowledge and skills to fight oppression.

The final section of the work is a ‘climb to the summit’ making direct reference to the journey undertaken by thousands of tourists each year when they endeavour to climb Australia’s highest peak. The music gradually intensifies as the journey nears its end and there is an explosion of joy and exhilaration as the summit is reached. While this section refers directly to Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko, the themes of struggle, striving and toil could easily represent the life of Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his endless dedication to the fight for human liberty and freedom, said Brendan.

Brendan Collins with Prof. Lidia Filus (on right) and the representatives of the Paderewski Orchestra

Brendan and Tom with their new Polish friends

Initially I hoped to have one of the orchestras play “Kosciuszko” in Jindabyne and Cooma, but with our tight Festival budget, it was to remain only a dream due to the fact that transport and accommodation for 60 people was beyond our financial capabilities, Brendan came out with a brilliant idea of getting his school band to play “Kosciuszko” at the Festival! Recently Barker College authorities decided to approve the project and hire a bus. So, we will have young Australians performing “Kosciuszko”.

One could ask how relevant is the Polish General to Aussie youth? Obviously, he is to some. Brendan’s 14 year old son Tom had an English assessment where he was to write about a famous person in history. “I am sure you will be delighted to know that he has chosen Kosciuszko as his subject”- Brendan wrote in his email to me. He asked me to send his son some material to help him complete the assignment, and especially an obituary which would outline all the achievements of Kosciuszko’s life. Some time later Brendan said: “My son's presentation was great. Many thanks for your help. All his classmates focused on boring people such as sports stars etc. and he focused on a true hero."

Soon after, I heard about Brendan’s Chicago trip. He left on 5th December with his son, a member of the Pittwater High School Symphonic Band. The band was to perform 'Kosciuszko' at all of its US concerts, including a concert with the Huntington Beach Youth Orchestra, recording at Disneyland, Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville and a number of performances at New Treier High School in Winnetka IL, where a Winter Festival was staged.

Later in December 2009, I received an email from Brendan – in Polish! It said: „Bawiê siê dobrze i mieszkam w polskiej rodzinie, która uczy mnie mowiæ po polsku, my¶lê, ¿e nie¼le mi idzie jak na pierwszy raz; bêdziemy z powrotem w wigiliê, wtedy opowiem wszystko o podró¿y, mam nadziejê, ¿e zdjêcia bêd± siê podoba³y:-) Do zobaczenia, Brendan.” (Having fun, staying with a Polish family, they teach me Polish and I am doing quite well. Sending some photos. Hope you will like them. We’ll be back home on Christmas Eve. Will tell you more about the trip. Bye. Brendan)

Wow! Wasn’t I surprised? How come out of 60 Aussies, 2 guys get accommodation with a Polish Chicago family? What a coincidence! And because Pittwater High School is a twin sister of New Treier High School, another exchange will take place, and we may see the same Polish family in Sydney! I sincerely hope so!

Another surprise awaited me. A friend of ours, Prof. Lidia Filus met up with Brendan whilst he was in Chicago, in her role as President of the Kosciuszko Foundation (Chicago Chapter), and through her, a meeting with the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra was arranged. It appears the Orchestra will play Brendan’s “Kosciuszko” during a function on the occasion of Thaddeus Kosciuszko's Names Day on 28th October this year. So Brendan is going to America again! Should I add that soon after (in November 2010) “Kosciuszko” is to be played at the Federation Square Festival by the Melbourne based “Grainger Wind Symphony”.

Brendan Collins... so close to General Kosciuszko

Hopefully,“Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble” could do just the same in Sydney during Polish Christmas in Darling Harbour...if the organisers invite them (?). So there is a chance to have Kosciuszko promoted here not by Poles but by the Australians themselves. It would be even a sweeter victory...

Just recently a poet, Anna Magdalena Mroz, wrote lyrics to a song which I wanted to dedicate to the winner of the first ever “Kosciuszko Run” (taking place during K’Ozzie Fest 2010). I was worried who to ask to write the music. And suddenly I thought: Brendan is a composer, why not him? And so I asked him to consider writing the music. Immediately he wrote: “OK. Send the lyrics.” And the song is in English. Lets hope it will become a hit.

Ernestyna Skurjat-Kozek

Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Orchestra conducted by Martin Hardy