| To commemorate the bicentenary of Chopin’s birth, Sutherland Shire Historical Society presents Two Great Masters
Frédéric François Chopin, considered one of the best composers for piano, was born on 1 March 1810 near Warsaw, Poland. With the encouragement of his French father, Nicolas (Mikolaj), and Polish mother, Tekla Justyna Krzyzanowska, he showed great musical aptitude from an early age, composing two polonaises (Polish dances) by the age of seven. He also studied violin with the accomplished violinist Wojciech Zywny.
Wojciech Wiśniewski, is another great master of the piano. Born in Poland in 1981, he was educated in several national music schools including the F Chopin Academy of Music and is currently working towards his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Wojciech holds the position of a Choirmaster and Pianist for the Lithuanian Choir ”Daina” a position he has held since 2004.
Wojciech has competed in many musical competitions including the VII National Piano Competition in Łódź (Poland) in 1999 where he gained first place. At the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2008 he was one of 36 participants in the competition selected out of 240 pianists from all over the world.
Sutherland Historical Society is presenting a program on Chopin to demonstrate that history is as much about people as it is about dates, places or major events. The Society is pleased to celebrate such a famous musician by presenting Chopin’s works through the skills and abilities of one of his fellow countrymen Wojciech Wiśniewski who now calls Australia home.
We are also pleased to have one of our members Mavis Sourry a local teacher with a life long interest in Chopin to give a brief introduction to this famous composer. Through Mavis we will see something of the man behind the work and perhaps even learn a little of Chopin’s partner George Sands?
Locations: Sutherland School of Arts, East Parade Sutherland
Date: 20 March 2010
Time: 1:30 PM (sharp!)
Entry fee: Donation
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