Ola Wąsiel |
If I could nominate one musical instrument which best encapsulates the essence of the Polish spirit, it would undoubtedly be the piano. Indeed, Chopin's Mazurkas, Paderewski's Polonaises and Szymanowski's Etudes are imbrued with the joys, sorrows, triumphs and history of the Polish tradition. These works are like vessels, carrying stories passed on from generation to generation. And so for a young Pole like me, the piano is not only the greatest storyteller, but also the finest gift.
"I wonder how long I can hold this pose for?" |
The Polish community gathered on Sunday, 6th March, at Marayong for a concert celebrating the receipt of one such fine gift - a brand new piano for the parish hall - and to thank its donor, the Polish Consulate in Sydney. The atmosphere was marked with a certain warmth and energy, as the audience was delighted by a feast of Polish music, singing and dancing.
Mr Jerzy Krajewski, the President of the Federation of Polish Organisations in NSW, was visibly touched by the Consulate's generosity, remarking that Marayong was somewhat of a sanctuary of Polish culture and that the new piano would be put to great use in forthcoming events, thereby helping to teach and conserve Polish traditions. So too was the Master of Ceremonies, Ms Bozena Pagin, who also expressed her sincere gratitude before assisting in the formality of cutting the ribbon and introducing the performing acts.
Chopin's "Mazurka" was an appropriate choice for the new piano's 'maiden voyage', performed by Leszek Skorut, a student of Aquinas College. Alicja Polak followed, performing a song entitled "Puszek Okruszek". Sibling duo, Pawel and Oliwia Kierdal entertained the audience, each performing on the piano and with Oliwia later singing "Bursztynek". At 11 years of age, Oliwia had the audience enraptured - a name certainly to be looked out for in future!
The folkloristic dancing groups, "Lajkonik" and "Kujawy" were to be commended for their energetic displays. The choreography was physically challenging, yet masterfully conquered. Spinning, twirling and adorned in vibrantly coloured costumes - the dancers wholly engaged the audience with a dynamism rarely witnessed. At times, I even found myself quite breathless...as a mere spectator!
The dancers in full swing. |
Alicja Polak singing "Puszek Okruszek". |
The final quarter of the concert included performances from both Agnieszka Krysiak and Ania Dobrudzka. Pianist Eric Piotrowski mesmerised onlookers with his seemingly effortless performance of Franz Liszt's "Petrarch Sonnet" followed by Ernesto Lecuona's "Malaguena". A previous recipient of a scholarship from St Andrew's Cathedral School, Eric now plans to study commerce and science at the University of Sydney whilst hoping to continue teaching piano professionally.
All in all, the concert was a success and a wonderful tribute to the talent and vivacity harboured by Sydney's Polish youth. The parish's new piano will only further cultivate their interest in the Polish traditions of music and performance. With such good music, good company and the opportunity to indulge in some paczki and a pierozek or two...who could have asked for a more splendid Sunday afternoon?
Written by Ola Wąsiel of Sydney Uni, newly appointed head of the youth section on Puls Polonii.
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