Hoover, Paderewski, Opole – “100 Years Together” Concert

Photo: Radio Opole , Małgorzata Ślusarczyk

In a celebration of the memory of President Herbert Hoover and his friendship with Ignacy Paderewski, American pianist, Neal Larrabee, performed at the Opole Philharmonic at an event organized by the U.S. Consulate in Krakow and the Alumni Association in partnership with the Opole province on December 1.

The concert was part of the U.S. Mission to Poland’s “100 Years Together” celebration of the centenary of Polish-American diplomatic relations and highlighted both the friendship between Hoover and Paderewski and the humanitarian aid for Poland after both world wars organized by Hoover.

The outstanding American pianist Neal Larrabee played works by Polish and American composers, including Ignacy Paderewski, Fryderyk Chopin, Samuel Barber and L.M. Gottschalk. The recital was preceded by a screening of a film prepared by U.S. Consulate General in Krakow and an exhibition about the relationships between Herbert Hoover and Poland. The event was attended by the U.S. Consul General in Krakow, B. Bix Aliu, and the Marshal of the Opolskie province, as well as representatives of local authorities, media, Opole cultural institutions and universities.

The successful event was organized by the Alumni Association and the Opole Philharmonic featuring alumni of State Department exchange programs and highlights the importance of our alumni and partners in organizing such important cultural events.