A Gala Concert trifecta:
Chopin, Szymanowski and Paderewski
Every November, the Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles brings together music lovers, cultural exchange and delightful way to celebrate the contributions of composer, statesman and honorary Paso Roblan, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. This annual series of piano concerts, jazz and swing performances, youth recitals and more is a great way to savor some of the best entertainment and artistic enrichment that Paso Robles offers.
Wildly talented and accomplished Polish classical artist Magdalena Baczewska will headline this year’s Paderewski Festival in a Gala Concert at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom on Saturday, November 4, at Paso Robles Inn at 1103 Spring Street.
The artist’s program will music of three universally beloved Polish composers: Chopin, Szymanowski and Paderewski. A Wine Reception hosted by Epoch Estate Wines begins at 6:30 p.m. Concert doors open at 7 p.m., followed by the Gala Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Based in New York City, Ms. Bazcewska is the Director of the Music Performance Program and Lecturer in Music at Columbia University in New York City, as well as a professor at Accademia Europea Villa Bossi in Varese, Italy. The Washington Post characterized her work as a solo artist as “eloquent and technically flawless.”
Born to a musical family in Poland, she has distinguished herself as a classical pianist, harpsichordist, university educator, performer, musical collaborator and recording artist.
Major symphony performances throughout the world, both home and abroad include Carnegie Hall in New York, National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Guangzhou Opera House, China National Symphony, San Francisco Symphony and in concert performances with contemporary classical composer maestro Tan Dun, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and others.
A classical pianist of laureate proportions, Baczewska’s accomplishments include the Chopin Competition at the Kosciuszko Foundation, Prix du Piano Ecoles d’Art Américaines Fontainebleau, Outstanding Achievement Award from the Minister of Polish Culture and more. Among her recording releases is Magdalena Baczewska Plays Chopin & Szymanowski.
A video montage of the Paderewski Cycle Project will feature nine finalists from East and West Coasts, followed by the award presentation of a national juried competition calling for treatments for a musical script featuring Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The event is sponsored by Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw.
Paderewski Festival schedule for November events
Thursday, November 2
Opening Concert with Café Musique offers a 6:30 p.m. Wine Reception and concert beginning at 7 pm at Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, will feature their blend of European gypsy, “wild classical,” folk, swing and tango tunes in a light-hearted, engaging performance by Brynn Albanese on violin and vocals, Duane Inglish on accordion, Craig Nuttycombe on guitar and vocals, Fred Murray on bass and vocals and Eric Williams on a stringed smorgasbord of guitar, ukulele, bouzouki and vocals. Enjoy a no-host reception with Cass Wines and tasty, pre-concert gourmet meal available for purchase. Visit casswines.com.
Friday, November 3
At 2 p.m., piano students and the general public can participate in an informative Piano Master Class with Gala Concert pianist Magdalena Baczewska at Park Ballroom, 1232 Park Street. Visit parkballroom.com.
American Jazz Standards by Polish Composers is a Friday night Jazz Trio Concert with Grammy Award-winning guest pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Darek “Oles” Olesczkiewicz and percussionist Tina Raymond. They will perform songs by Victor Young (Stella by Starlight), Bronny Kaper (On Green Dolphin Street and Hi Lili, Hi Lo) and Henry Vars. Enjoy a 6:30 pm Wine Reception. Concert begins at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 4
At 4 p.m., the Youth Competition Winners’ Recital begins at Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. The best-kept secret of the Paderewski Festival is the combined talents of these promising young pianists. If you have never attended this event, here is your chance. Reserve your seats early. Free admission. Visit paderewskifest.com.
Gala Concert with Magdalena Baczewska begins Saturday night with a 6:30 p.m. wine reception. The highlight of the Festival is the Gala Concert. Ms. Baczeswka’s precision and beautiful playing will astound. Doors open at 7 p.m. followed by the concert performance at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 5
At 10 a.m. an exclusive Paderewski Festival Tasting Room Tour, wine tasting and brunch for Paderewski Patrons and Friends of Paderewski, followed by a premiere Paderewski Cycle musical presentation and
discussion with Adam Mickiewicz Institute organizers and musical creative team at Epoch Estate Vineyards. Visit epochwines.com.
Friends of Paderewski and Paderewski Patron Ticket Packages are new for 2017 and offer lots of
exclusive perks and intimate access options for Paderewski Festival of Paso Robles fans.
