On November 18 at Warsaw’s historic Bristol Hotel, Cultural Attaché Dan Hastings spoke at the opening of a three day international celebration devoted to the life and achievements of the Polish patriot, superstar pianist, and international statesman Jan Ignacy Paderewski. The touching celebration, entitled “The King of Pianists in the World of Politics” – was organized by the State Archives of Poland as part of their commemorations honoring the centennial of their establishment after Poland’s re-independence in 1918. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and National Heritage in Poland, His Excellency Piotr Gliński, opened the conference, with the Papal Nuncio and Ambassadors of France and Switzerland also giving remarks. The renowned historian Adam Zamoyski gave a short lecture on the role of Paderewski in the rebirth of Poland, which was preceded by a children’s play on Paderewski’s life and followed by a sparkling concert featuring Krzesimir Dębski and the string quartet Primus and the Polish mezzo-soprano Aneta Łukaszewicz. International organizations that support the legacy of Paderewski overseas also attended to present lectures on Paderewski’s active support of Poland’s cause overseas. An exhibition on Paderewski’s life will be open from November 20, 2019 through January 22, 2019 in the public library of Warsaw located at 26/28 rue Koszykowa. During his remarks on Paderewksi, the Cultural Attaché talked about Paderewski’s special relationships with U.S. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover, and their deep respect for his efforts to support Poland’s cause for freedom and independence. When discussing Paderewski’s star appeal for over 50 years in America, the Cultural Attaché emphasized that “Paderewski loved America, and Americans loved him back!” For more information on the celebration, visit the State Archives’s Facebook page.
