Polish Ambassador Magierowski Announces Patronage for Summerville Orchestra Concerts

Polish Ambassador Marek Magierowski has announced his honorary patronage for the Summerville Orchestra's upcoming concerts on May 17-18, 2024, in South Carolina. The performances will feature Polish composer Mieczyslaw Karłowicz's "Eternal Songs," a world premiere by Colorado composer Chris Pilsner, and Mozart's "Overture to Magic Flute."

In a statement, Ambassador Magierowski expressed his pleasure in supporting the concerts, saying, "It is with great pleasure that I announce my honorary patronage for the upcoming concert organized by the Summerville Orchestra. I am particularly grateful for including a segment dedicated to esteemed Polish composer Karłowicz. Though his life was tragically brief, Karłowicz's legacy continues to inspire and move audiences worldwide."

The concerts, taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, and 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, will showcase Karłowicz's "Eternal Songs," a piece described by the University of South California's Polish Music Center as representative of the artistic movement "Young Poland," which aimed to unify modernistic tendencies with national tradition. Summerville Orchestra Music Director Wojciech Milewski, a native of Poland, noted the work's significance, stating,"The 'Eternal Songs' is a piece that is equally poignant as it is powerful... Karłowicz's music comes from a difficult period in Polish history, as the nation did not exist on the map of Europe at that time. Yet, despite those challenges, the piece speaks to the power of the human spirit."

Mieczyslaw Karłowicz (1876-1909) was a prominent Polish composer and conductor of the late Romantic era. Despite his short life, he left a significant impact onPolish music, particularly with his symphonic poems and songs. Karłowicz's works often drew inspiration from the Tatra Mountains, where he frequently hiked and ultimately met his tragic end in an avalanche at the age of 32.

Tickets for the Summerville Orchestra concerts are available online at summervilleOrchestra.org/Tickets, with prices set at $25 for adults, $2 for those under 18, and $5 for college students. Following the Saturday performance, the orchestra will host its inaugural Musical Jubilee, an evening filled with music, dancing, food, and fun.

TheSummerville Orchestra'sMay 17-18 concerts, under the honorary patronage of Polish Ambassador Marek Magierowski, promise to be a celebration of Polish musical heritage and a showcase of international talent. With the inclusion of Mieczyslaw Karłowicz's "Eternal Songs," the performances offer a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the enduring power and beauty of this significant work from a pivotal period in Polish history.