Chopin seminar
June 22-28, 2010
During the Chopin Seminar that took place from 22 to 28 June, Polish and Norwegian students took part in master classes conducted by J. Sterczyński and E. Karaś-Krasztel.
The main goal of the seminar was the explanation of Chopin’s and Grieg’s musical ideas, as well the role that folk music had on their compositions. In addition to master classes there were a few other interesting happenings, such as a jazz improvisation workshop conducted by Włodek Pawlik, and a two stage seminar conducted by N. Sukiennik in which she focused on historical contextualization of Chopin’s works. Those students who took part in that particular seminar visited places such as Brochów and Żelazowa Wola, the city in which Chopin lived with his family during his youth, as well as the Chopin Museum in Warsaw. In order to become more familiar with Chopin and his contemporaries, the students also attended a dance folk workshop conducted by “Promni”- The Chamber Group of Song and Dance - who performed folk dances from the neighborhoods of Mazowsze; Mościbrody.
During the Chopin seminar there were three major concerts in which many students were involved. Various compositions of Chopin and Grieg were performed in Mościbrody, in the small residence in Żelazowa Wola, and in “Dziekanka”, one of Warsaw’s concert halls. To top this off, the participants of the Chopin seminar were able to listen to a piano concert which took place in Łazienki Park.
They also made a small trip through the narrow streets of Warsaw’s Old Town. It is important to mention that the seminar would probably not have been so enjoyable without the commitment of the workers of Fryderyk Chopin University who helped organize the entire event so that it proceeded smoothly without any unpleasant situations. Last but not least at the final concert, it was our pleasure and a great honor to entertain the Norwegian ambassador to Poland, Enoka Nygarda.
"The stay in Poland was wonderful. During the week we spent there, every day was fun. We were given masterclasses, individual lessons and guided tours around the beautiful Warsaw. I felt I learned very much from this trip. We went to Chopin museum where we learned about Chopin's life, went to Chopin concert, and played in concerts ourselves.
One of the things I remember very good was the outdoor concert we attended. With beautiful scenery and music around, nothing could have been better. We also went to Chopin's home in the Zelazowa Wola manor and played there. It was a very enjoyable experience altogether. My views on Chopin has changed since, and I like Chopin even more!"
John Chen
"In June 2010 I happened to have an opportunity to take part in the project organized by the Polish-Norwegian Youth Academy of Music. This time the project was held in Poland, which means that a group of Norwegians was going to visit our country.
The whole time spent with Norwegian people during the project was excellent. Throughout those several days we were given masterclasses with prof. Jerzy Sterczynski and prof. Elżbieta Karaś-Krasztel – two very accomplished pianists from Chopin’s University of Music in Warsaw. For me it was a great experience to take part in the courses, for I had known prof. Sterczyński and prof. Karaś for some time, but I had never actually had a lesson with any of them. I am convinced that the masterclasses helped me to develop my skills and to look at the pieces I was playing from a different angle. The thing I also found very nice during the whole courses was, that we shared our practice rooms with Norwegian students, therefore, we were able to get to know them a little. What’s more, the atmosphere was very friendly, especially considering the fact that we all were listening to each other’s lessons – no one preferred practicing to listening.
We also spent some time out of Warsaw. We were provided a little trip to Mościbrody where we played a small concert in a beautiful manor. Afterwards we enjoyed ourselves very much while learning and trying to dance Polish folk dances, as well as while having a small barbecue party. Thanks to this trip I felt like we really made good friends with pianists from Norway, who turned out to be really outgoing, optimistic and great people.
Straight from Mościbrody we arrived in Żelazowa Wola – the Fryderyk Chopin’s place of birth. For me it was a great pleasure to visit the place, for it has changed a lot since last time I saw it. We all performed in the manor of Żelazowa Wola and I must admit that the place inspired us in a way during the concert. I guess we could say we even felt the Chopin’s spirit floating in the air! After the concert we went for a walk through the beautiful park surrounding the manor – we took a lot of pictures and had loads of fun, especially when one of us climbed quite a big tree!
Our last full day of the project included rehearsals, practicing and of course a final concert in Dziekanka Concert Hall in Warsaw (and a fine party afterwards). We were all very excited about the concert, although we were aware of the fact that we would have to say goodbye soon. The concert went very well and the size of the audience that had gathered to watch our performances was quite impressive, I should say.
The hardest part of the project was saying goodbye to Norwegian people, with whom we had spent so many unforgettable moments. Hopefully we will meet each other once again.
All in all, I truly believe that the whole “Chopin seminar” project was very successful. I myself gained a lot of experience and knowledge as well as I had an opportunity to meet new people from a foreign country and practice my language skills. On behalf of all the students I would also like to thank Magda Igras and Maciej Krasowski for making the whole project as pleasurable and as well-organised as can be!"
Joanna Kacperek
