This web site was updated on: December 12^th, 2011

The Holy Infant: A Christmas Cantata based on Traditional Polish carols

Invitation from Michael Pietranczyk, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church

In a performance on Sunday, December 11th (9:00am) at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church (1605 E.106^th St. Indianapolis), members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will join forces with the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir and soloists to present “The Holy Infant: a Cantata for Christmas based on traditional Polish Carols.” The work was written and arranged by Michael Pietranczyk, Director of Music and celebrates the story of the nativity through arrangements of Polish folk carols (Polskie kolędy). Dating back to the 14^th century, these wonderful and infectious melodies are presented in a manner that preserves their folk quality, while at the same time presents the composer’s distinctly American interpretation.

The piece will be presented in English and the congregation will be invited to join in singing two of work’s movements, along with the choir and orchestra. For a sample recording of the piece, go to www.orchardpark.org.

As an added musical feature to the service, the choir and orchestra will also present a short cantata by Michael Haydn (younger brother of Franz Josef) entitled “Run, Ye Shepherds, To the Light.” The work greatly exemplifies the simplicity of musical style that was a popular trait of late eighteenth century compositions. Combining folk-like style with uncomplicated harmonic language ensures a delightful experience for the listener and serves as a perfect example of Haydn’s gift for writing tuneful melodies. We hope that all who attend this service will leave with the spirit of Christmas in their hearts and minds as they prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. It promises to be a most delightful, holiday worship experience!

Sincerely,
Michael Pietranczyk
Director of Music
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
Indianapolis, IN 46280

Pictures from concert of Krzysztof Urbański

Pictures from concert of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Krzysztof Urbański performed on May 21^st, 2011 made by Marcin Szychowski are available here.

Recollections of a Magnificent Evening of Music with Maestro Krzysztof Urbański and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

by Michael Pietranczyk
May 28^th, 2011

On Saturday, May 21^st 2011 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis, members of the Polish Cultural Society of Indiana gathered for a magnificent evening of music presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of their newly-appointed music director, maestro Krzysztof Urbański. The concert was sponsored in part by the Polish CSI. Club members were greeted at the door by Polish CSI representatives and given tickets to the concert and a private reception which would follow in the theatre's Wood Room, as well as a red and white ribbon to wear signifying their association with the club and support for maestro Urbański (not to mention their Polish pride!) At 5:30pm the audience members had taken their seats and the concertmaster completed the customary tuning of the orchestra. A few short moments later, Maestro Urbański appeared from behind the violin section - a picture of poise and control. He made his way gracefully to the podium and after acknowledging the audience's applause he turned to the orchestra and with a precise gesture of the baton... the orchestra began. It was soon very clear to all the listeners in the auditorium that this would not be just another night at the symphony.

As the opening theme of the first selection of the night, The Hebrides, Op. 26 by Felix Mendelssohn unfolded, the sense of control maestro Urbański exhibited was immediately apparent as the clarity and balance within the sections of the orchestra was absolutely remarkable. However, rather than someone who seemed to be holding and tugging at the reigns of a team of wild horses, there was a wonderful symbiotic relationship between conductor and orchestra. One had the sense that the orchestra was truly pleased to give Urbański their best efforts and respond to every subtle gesture he gave, in order to achieve beautiful phrasing, stunning dynamic range and rhythmic precision. The listeners were treated to a brilliant depiction in sound of the cavern off the west coast Scotland (Fingal’s Cave) that inspired Mendelssohn to write this concert overture in 1832.

The next selection of the evening, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47, was a remarkable “tour de force” performed by soloist Barnabás Kelemen. The only concerto that Sibelius ever wrote, the piece is extremely demanding on the soloist yet Kelemen virtually attacked the most difficult passages of the work with a sense of ferocity that kept the listeners on the edge their seats. The dialogue between orchestra and soloist was clearly understood and balance between the two was nicely maintained. At times, Kelemen played with so much vigor that one had the sense that he could almost overpower the entire orchestra! At the conclusion of the first movement, the audience was so overwhelmed they erupted into applause, even though there was still more to come. It was clear in this piece that Urbański worked on balance between the sections, particularly as the punctuation placed within phrases by the brass and percussion never, at any time, overpowered. Their sound cut through the orchestra beautifully, but never assaulted the listener and the intonation was superb. At the conclusion of the work, Kelemen was showered with ovations which he graciously acknowledged by playing two solo encores which drew further enthusiastic applause.

Maestro Urbański moved quickly to the podium for the start of the final piece on the evening's program, Symphony No. 4 in A (“Italian”) Op. 90 by Mendelssohn. Before the audience had completed their applause, Urbański spun around to face the orchestra and with a swift downbeat the music poured out over the audience, almost as if he had shaken up a bottle and popped the cork of a delicious moscato d’asti. The work is notably difficult for the strings, but the ISO string sections truly shined and played with great brilliance and flare. Aside from the technical bravura of the strings in fast passages, Urbański achieved remarkable lyricism in the slower movements and demonstrated wonderful control and beautiful phrasing. At the conclusion of the concert, one could certainly notice a mutual respect and admiration between the musicians and the conductor.

Following the concert a lovely reception was held in The Wood Room in honor of maestro Urbański, sponsored by the Polish CSI. President and CEO of the ISO, Simon Crookall, introduced and congratulated maestro Urbański, and then turned the microphone over to Polish CSI President Irmina Gradus-Pizło who spoke on behalf of the society. A toast was then given by Mr. Tom Beczkiewicz, who offered some personal recollections of time spent with the maestro and his wife during their initial visits to the Indianapolis area. All were able to greet maestro Urbański and enjoy a photo opportunity with him as the evening came to a close.

The Polish community is so very proud to have Krzysztof Urbański as the new ISO music director! We look forward to the opportunity to greet him again and welcome him to the Indianapolis area later this year.

Polish Cultural Society of Indiana “Wigilia” 2010

On December 11, 2010, the Polish Cultural Society of Indiana held its annual Christmas Eve Supper, Wigilia. This gathering is an important event that draws many PCSI members and valued guests as it incorporates many treasured traditions and brings together our strong Polish community. It was once again held at the Latvian Community Center in Indianapolis.

The supper began with a social hour that gives its members and guests time to meet one another and unite in our heritage. Our organization has continued to grow and new members were welcomed. Following the social hour, Kimberly and Michael Pietranczyk put on a beautiful Christmas concert with Kimberly singing soprano and Michael accompanying on piano. Michael is a local music director at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and said that Wigilia holds a special place in his heart since it brings back many wonderful childhood memories of celebrating Wigilia with his own family.

Next, the Gospel reading and Opłatek, the traditional wafer bread, blessing was given by Father Łukasz. Father Łukasz is from the Polish order of Carmelites. Following was the breaking of the bread by all in attendance. It is an honored tradition of Wigilia and is marked by individuals wishing each other health and success in the upcoming year. The traditional meatless meal was once again DELICIOUS!! Various members volunteer their time to help prepare the traditional entrees. Sonia Gaweł and Mariusz Kalisz came together to present various Polish and English Christmas carols as everyone enjoyed their meal. Dessert and coffee followed.

Following the meal, Irmina Gradus-Pizło and Katarzyna Kill, president and vice president of the PCSI, presented awards to the hardworking PCSI members thanking them for another successful year. And the most important event for the children came next with a visit from Santa and his elf helper. Each child got to share a special moment with Santa and received a special gift. The night ended with Aleksandra Olewicz singing various Polish carols.

Many thanks to the hard working PCSI board and volunteers that made this event such a wonderful success!

Recording of the performance of "The Holy Infant" - now available on CD!

Information from Michael Pietranczyk, Orchard Park Presbyterian Church (known from singing at our Wigilia celebrations on December 11, 2010 and December 05, 2009).

My dear friends of the Polish CSI,

It is my pleasure to inform you all that a live recording of the December 19th, 2010 performance of The Holy Infant: A Cantata for Christmas based on Traditional Polish Carols is available to you on CD. Simply print and complete the order form and mail to Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, Attention Michael Pietranczyk. Don't forget to include a check payable to Orchard Park Presbyterian. Proceeds will benefit the OPPC Music Ministry.

Thank you once again to all of you who attended this performance. It was very special for me to see you all there. I'm glad to make this recording available to you so that you may continue to enjoy the piece for years to come.


Blessings and Peace.
Michael Pietranczyk
Director of Music
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
1605 E. 106^th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46280
(317) 844-1107 x17

Wigilia pictures available

Pictures from Wigilia made by Marcin Szychowski are available here.

Review of the Play “Dobry Wieczór Monsieur Chopin” presented by The Polish Theatre of Toronto

Autor: Zygmunt Pizło


“Dobry Wieczór Monsieur Chopin”

Play presented by Polish-Canadian Salon of Poetry, Music and Theater in Toronto
Indianapolis, Indiana (USA)
October 25, 2010

Screen Play written by: Maria Nowotarska and Joanna Sokołowska-Gwizdka
Directed by: Maria Nowotarska
Music Director: Jerzy Boski
English Translation: Witold Liliental
Staring: Agata Pilitowska, Maria Nowotarska and Piotr Pilitowski.

For the Polish Community of Indianapolis, this was one of the most interesting cultural events of the past 20 years. To begin with, the title of the play in both Polish and French reflects important biographical characteristics of the main character: Frederic Chopin - the fact that his mother was Polish and his father was French. Indeed, Frederic spent his childhood and youth in Poland and his adult life in France. It is characteristic of biographies of many eminent figures in Polish history that their lives were intertwined in different cultures. For example: the lives of Witelon and Copernicus, Joseph Conrad, Marie Curie-Skłodowska, Helena Modrzejewska, Alfred Tarski, Stanisław Ulam, Jan Brzechwa, Paweł Jasienica and Czesław Miłosz. So many times the greatest achievements in Polish culture came from individuals who were influenced and inspired by cultures other than Polish. The work of the Polish-Canadian Salon of Poetry, Music and Theater in Toronto is the best example of the continuation of this intriguing phenomenon. Excellent acting by Nowotarska and Pilitowska has been further enriched and inspired by Polish and European, as well as American, culture. It gives the audience a natural combination of inspiration from within the play’s content and their own - delivered by a unique interpretation. Fulfilling such a dual role is not a coincidence and comes from Nowotarska’s and Pilitowska’s own personal experiences. It allows them to reach out and connect with the audience in a manner others are unable to do.

This play is a daring endeavor - the theater telling a story about music. It is an exquisite and innovative presentation. We all know something about Chopin, but most of us do not know about his writings at the age of 6, nor do we know how he was received in Paris, or the circumstances of his separation from George Sand, or who was with him just before he passed away. We learn all this from the play “Dobry Wieczór Monsieur Chopin.” Here, historical facts are magically interwoven into life’s everyday events. The artist’s 39 years of life are presented in an hour’s time. After the audience’s applause ends, we all get to know Chopin on a better and more personal level.

Equally unique is the form of the presentation. The story is told by way of conversations about Chopin’s life accompanied by his music. While listening to the story, we get an impression of listening to a Chopin composition we have not heard for a long time. The rhythm of the play recalls the rhythm of his ballads. Chopin’s ballads are like poems; lyrical and dramatic elements are intertwined only to break this perfect harmony with the dissonance of the end. The marriage of music and poetry is not only expected by the listeners, but is overwhelmingly present because of the perfect choice of music by Music Director Jerzy Boski. Music emphasizes the words delivered by the actors in a most exquisite way. It gives the words a special meaning and brings out the special atmosphere of the moment. The perfect choice of music creates a balance between the music and the story told by the actors. One is not overshadowed by the other. Bravo for the Director of the Play, Maria Nowotarska, actors: Maria Nowotarska and Agata Pilitowska, and Music Director Jerzy Boski.

And then in the end a pleasant surprise - an extremely good and accurate English translation by Witold Liliental. I expected to listen to the play in Polish because I know it better than English. However, I found myself reading the English text on the screen! All of us here who live outside of Poland know very well that some thoughts are expressed more accurately in English. Then why not use both languages and let the listener choose according to his or her own preferences. Perhaps all Polish plays should be staged that way. If reading poetry or prose or even scientific dissertations changes how they are perceived, depending on the language used, why should the theater not follow? The translation not only added to the understanding of the play, but also enriched it and complemented it.

Translated into English by Joanna Krauze

Krzysztof Urbański - Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director


By Danuta Pietrzak

It was with great pleasure that we received the news that conductor Krzysztof Urbański has been selected to be the new Artisitc Director of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

We are very proud that the ISO’s youngest music director is a Polish born, graduate of Chopin Music Academy in Warsaw, Poland, and a winner of the prestigious International Conducting Competition in Prague, Czech Republic.

Krzysztof Urbański has already conducted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra twice this year. In April, after his first concert he had to stay in Indianapolis for an extra week because a volcano eruption in Iceland prevented him from a prompt return to Europe. During that week the young conductor has gotten to know the city and met many interesting people here. In his radio interview last week, he said, that the fact that he had to stay in Indianapolis longer was fate. His dream has always been to become a conductor of a major American orchestra.

Members of Polish Cultural Society of Indiana, who attended the second concert conducted by Mr. Urbański at Conner Prairie last June (see note below), were delighted to meet him and his wife after the performance, and at that time that they expressed their hopes that they would be able to see him more often in Indianapolis.

Maestro Urbański, who wants to introduce music of great Polish composers: Szymanowski, Górecki and Lutosławski to the Indianapolis audience will be a great ambassador of Polish music in the mainstream of American culture in our community. Let's give him all our support in this challenging endeavor!

See more info about Krzysztof Urbański’s nomination from Indianapolis Star here and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra here.

His web site is here.

Polish Conductor at Conner Prairie


By Danuta Pietrzak

Krzysztof Urbański, a very talented and dynamic young Polish conductor, graduate of Chopin Music Academy in Warsaw in 2007, inaugurated the 29^th Symphony on the Prairie season Saturday, June 19, 2010. The program opened with Ludwig van Beethoven's “Overture to Egmont” Opus 84, the incidental music to Goethe's drama “Egmont” the fight for justice and national liberty of famous Flemish warrior Count Egmont (1522-1568), against the despotic Duke of Albe, the Spanish invader. The next music masterpiece was Bedrich Smetana's “The Moldau”. It is a patriotic symphonic poem portraying the river, which rises in the Sumava forest and flows through the Bohemian countryside and the city of Prague before joining the River Elbe. Than a 2010 Michael Ben and Illene Komisarov Maurer Young Musicians Contest winner Austin Huntington, a 15-year-old cellist from South Bend, a featured soloist of the concert, performed Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme" Opus 33 with the orchestra. A 20 minute piece played so lyrically and expressively by this prodigy virtuoso without pause was rewarded by the audience with a standing ovation.

It was a picture perfect day at Conner Prairie. A feature Mussorgsky-Ravel’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, performed when the sun was setting behind the orchestra and the moon was rising made for an unforgettable impression. The young maestro, who conducted mainly from memory, captivated the audience with the elegance of his movements, skill and precision of how he shaped dramaturgy and nuances of music expression as well as the sublime sound of the Orchestra under his baton.

Last April, during his first visit to Indianapolis Krzysztof Urbański conducted “Little Suite” by Witold Lutosławski (a first for the orchestra) and “New World Symphony” by Anton Dworak. The conductor dedicated that concert to the memory of Poland’s leaders killed in a plane crash near Smoleńsk a week earlier.

Prior to the concert the group of listeners from the Polish Cultural Society who attended the concert at Conner Prairie were recognized by the announcer. Later some of our members had a chance to talk to Maestro Urbanski and his wife. One of the founding members of the Polish Cultural Society, who hosted Krzysztof Urbański in April, in response to the question if we are going to see this great conductor again said “Let’s keep our fingers crossed”.

Tragedy & Remembrance


By Ewa Orlik

Polish President, Lech Kaczyński, his wife, some of Poland’s highest military and civilian leaders died on Saturday, April 10, 2010 in a plane crash. The presidential plane crashed as it came in for landing during thick fog in western Russia, killing all 96 on board. The Polish Delegation was traveling to commemorate the 70^th Anniversary of the massacre in the Katyń forest where nearly 22 thousand Polish officers and intellectuals were killed by the Soviet secret police. The plane crashed 12 miles from the site that the mass killings took place in April of 1940.

Poland united in the outpouring of grief at this unprecedented national loss. People around the world demonstrated their support for the mourning nation. The Polish Cultural Society of Indiana held a mass, organized by Aleksandra & Kazimierz Olewicz, on Saturday, April 17, at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis for the victims of the crash and those that were murdered 70 years ago.

The family of Eva Orlik, one of the members of our Society, was affected directly by the Katyń massacre 70 years ago. Please read Eva’s reflections here.

Help for Maciej Żurawski


A member of the Polish community in Indianapolis, Maciej Żurawski, has been recently shot in the back by burglars, and is paralyzed from waist down. The news story about his accident can be found here.

His friends are trying to raise as much money as possible for his medical needs. They organized a charity golf tournament on May 7^th 2010 at South Grove Golf Course on 1:00 p.m. in Indianapolis. They were looking for people to play at $100 per person, for business owners to sponsor holes (18) at $300 per sponsor, and for companies to donate box lunches, drinks, prizes etc.

PCSI had sponsored one hole.

Moreover, a benefit fund has been set up at Huntington Bank.

Donations can be made in the form of a check, payable to the Maciej Zurawski Benefit Fund.
Please indicate in the memo if the check is a regular donation, or intended for the golf fundraiser.
The check can be mailed to:

Reflections after Christmas Eve Supper Wigilia

By Danuta Pietrzak

The traditional Polish "Wigilia" - Christmas Eve Celebration started with a first star appearing on the sky on December 5^th 2009 at the Latvian Center in Indianapolis. The grand room, beautifully decorated with candle lights, table centerpieces ,Christmas tree, and winter tree motives at the stage has contributed to the festive atmosphere of this memorable evening.

Our special guest, Father Jacek from the Franciscan Order in Muenster, Indiana has read the passages from the Scripture and has reflected on the meaning of Christmas.

Kasia Kill, the vice president of PCS has talked about the importance of Christmas tradition and has made the remark that to the Poles the Polish Christmas carols are the most beautiful in the world. We undoubtedly have got convinced about that during the stunning performance of our guests - great performing artists Kimberly and Michael Pietranczyk, as well as our own artist Aleksandra Olewicz, who also led us in singing of the Polish Christmas carols. Kimberly Pietranczyk very beautifully sung two solo songs in polish language, which is not an easy language to learn in just a few days.

Breaking the "Opłatek", a traditional wafer bread with other 110 people present at the event has been a deeply moving moment. Best wishes of good health, success in upcoming year have been shared with everybody in the room.

The "Wigilia" dinner, which traditionally is a meatless meal was a culinary masterpiece. At the end of the evening each of the members of the PCS who participated in the food and other preparations was called to the stage by Irmina Gradus-Pizło, the president of PCI and introduced with the name of the course or the event element prepared.

There has been also a surprise visit by the Santa, in polish tradition called St. Nicholas. He has let the children sit on his lap and has gifted them with the presents . Sonia Gaweł has taken the commemorative pictures of the kids with the Santa. After the event has ended a group of children spontaneously have taken the stage and have performed some more Christmas carols. The spirit of Christmas has definitely been there...

Great thanks to the board and members of PCSI for great food and decorations.

Committees

Marketing and Advertising Committee:

• Danuta Pietrzak

• Przemysław Gilowski
• Ewa Orlik

• Aleksandra Olewicz
• Magda Namysłowska
• Bożena Płata

The Annual Meeting
.

The annual meeting of Polish CSI Members was held on November 5^th, 2011. During the meeting the Board of Directors was elected. We are happy to announce Board of Directors:

• President - Irmina Gradus-Pizło
• Vice President - Katarzyna Kill
• Secretary - Lech Bobowski
• Treasurer - Andrzej Orlik
• Board Members - Diane Filipowicz, Lidia Kędziora, Magda Namysłowska, Aleksandra Olewicz, Ewa Papież