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Poznan Philharmonic Honors Jan Karski with Stirring Concert

Wojciech Pawłowski speaks at the reception following the concert (photo by Wanda Urbanska) Wojciech Pawłowski speaks at the reception following the concert (photo by Wanda Urbanska)

A concert entitled “An Unfinished Mission” was presented by the Poznań Philharmonic at Adam Mickiewicz University on October 24 to mark the 100th anniversary of Jan Karski’s birth.

The evening's emcee was Wojciech Nentwig, Managing Director of the Poznań Philharmonic, who welcomed distinguished guests, Professor Tomasz Nałęcz, History and National Heritage Advisor to President of the Republic of Poland, Voivode of the City of Poznań Piotr Florek and Wojciech Pawłowski, member of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation Board of Directors and lead sponsor of the event. He also announced that the President of the Republic of Poland Bronisław Komorowski has honored the Poznan Philharmonic Director Marian Szymański with the Commander’s Cross of Polonia Restituta for his contribution to promoting music.

Professor Waldemar Łazuga of the Adam Mickiewcz University in Poznań introduced the life and achievements of Jan Karski with the Greek motto “a man is a man as long as he is a man.” He stressed the values represented by Karski, such as responsibility, courage and integrity. Karski, born at the beginning of the 20th century died in the last year of that centennial, which he thought was symbolic.

In the first part of the concert, the Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra -- led by the spirited Łukasz Borowicz -- presented Roman Palester’s composition Polonaises by M. K. Ogiński. This was followed by Filip Wojciechowski, who dazzled the audience with Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell. For his encore, Mr. Wojciechowski chose Chopin’s Nocturne in F-sharp Major No. 2 op. 15. The second part was filled with the lively rendition of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (From the New World).

Following the musical program, guests enjoyed refreshments and conversation. The foundation was represented by the following board members: chairman Andrzej RojekPrzemyslaw Krych; Bozena Nowicka McLees; Ewa Wierzynska; and Wanda Urbanska.