In the spring and summer of 2024, renowned Polish pianist and champion of Fryderyk Chopin’s music, Marek Drewnowski, captivated audiences with a series of concerts in extraordinary venues: the Museum of Romanticism in Opinogóra, Royal Łazienki Park, and the Palace in Mała Wieś. Each performance was not only a top-tier musical experience but also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of art in some of Poland’s most historic settings.
For many years, Drewnowski has been dedicated to promoting Polish culture worldwide. His work extends beyond the concert stage—he also conducts masterclasses, records albums, and collaborates with distinguished artists, including Krzysztof Zanussi, who featured Drewnowski in the film Chopin’s Concerto. These events, where art intertwines with history and the beauty of surrounding gardens, consistently attract a large following of music enthusiasts.
Museum of Romanticism in Opinogóra
On April 28th, the 38th meeting of the „Eliza’s Salon” series took place in the Palace Orangery, hosted by Zofia Humięcka. The event featured Piotr Witt, a historian and essayist who has lived in Paris for many years, and Marek Drewnowski, who provided the musical accompaniment for the evening. Both men, closely connected to the legacy of Fryderyk Chopin, brought energy and charm to the event, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
During the evening, Witt shared reflections on his book Inferno of Fame: A Treatise on Chopin and discussed his experiences with Radio Free Europe. Interspersed with Drewnowski’s performances of Chopin’s compositions, the audience was transported back to the composer’s era. Among the interesting facts shared was that Chopin used Scarlatti’s sonatas as warm-up exercises before larger concerts—pieces that attracted the attention of Leonard Bernstein, who subsequently invited Drewnowski to collaborate.
Opinogóra, the historic seat of the Krasiński family, holds immense significance for Polish Romantic culture. It was here that Zygmunt Krasiński, one of Poland’s great Romantic poets, created many of his works, making the Museum of Romanticism an ideal venue for events dedicated to Chopin.
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Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw
Chopin concerts held at the Fryderyk Chopin monument in Royal Łazienki Park are a long-standing tradition, attracting music lovers and tourists from around the world. The monument, designed by Wacław Szymanowski, was unveiled in 1926 but destroyed during the war. Rebuilt in the 1950s, it has been the site of summer concerts organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Society since 1959. More recently, Stołeczna Estrada and the Royal Łazienki Museum have also helped organize these concerts.
On June 2, 2024, Marek Drewnowski performed as part of this concert series. Despite occasional rain, the audience gathered in large numbers on the lawns, captivated by Chopin’s music. Of particular note was Drewnowski’s rendition of Chopin’s Songs, transcribed by Franz Liszt as a tribute to his Polish friend. These same Songs will be featured during Drewnowski’s upcoming concert in Austin.
Palace in Mała Wieś
The palace in Mała Wieś, located near Grójec, was built in the 18th century at the initiative of an advisor to King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Over the years, the estate was owned by several prominent families, including the Zamoyski, Lubomirski, and Morawski families, who not only oversaw the development of the palace but also played active roles in Poland’s independence movements.
After World War II, the palace was nationalized and served various purposes, including as a school and a summer residence for Polish prime ministers. In 2008, it was returned to the Morawski family, and in 2015, it was purchased by Leszek and Wiesława Barański, who completed a thorough renovation. Today, the palace operates as a luxurious hotel and service center, with a restaurant, orangery, and rose garden.
On July 7, 2024, as part of the „Gardens Full of Music” series, Marek Drewnowski gave a concert at this enchanting venue. The intimate atmosphere, proximity to nature, and the beauty of the picturesque park created the perfect setting for a musical event that left a lasting impression on the audience. After the concert, attendees had the opportunity to meet the artist, who shared his passion for the history of the places where he performs and discussed his unique approach to interpreting Chopin’s music.
Concerts Bridging Art and History
Marek Drewnowski’s performances in Opinogóra, Royal Łazienki Park, and Mała Wieś were a rare opportunity to experience classical music in its most authentic form. These historic venues provided a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where the piano’s sound could resonate with full depth and emotional richness.
Through events like these, tradition meets the present, inspiring new generations of music lovers and artists alike. Marek Drewnowski demonstrates that the music of Fryderyk Chopin and other great composers remains vibrant and timeless, finding its place both on the world’s grandest stages and within the historic landscapes of Poland.
Compiled by: Joanna Sokołowska-Gwizdka
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