Music and mountain lovers have a treat in store this weekend with the 30th anniversary of the Karol Szymanowski Museum in Zakopane.
After Chopin, Szymanowski (1882-1937) is regarded as Poland's finest composer, and he has been championed by such distinguished figures as Simon Rattle, who on the eve of the millennium hailed the Pole as 'one of the greatest composers of this century.'
The Szymanowski Museum is housed in the Villa Atma, a typical example of the so-called Zakopane style, a fashionable folk-inspired idiom that became popular a century ago. The composer lived at the Villa for many years.
The celebrations begin on Saturday 4th March, when there will be a series of recitals of works by Chopin, Schumann, Paderewski and of course Szymanowski himself.
The following day, the local Tatra Orchestra will kick things off. It will be a fitting tribute, as Szymanowski was deeply inspired by the folklore and music of the Tatra mountains. After this rousing intro, a number of outstanding soloists will perform.
The final day of the event sees a discussion about Szymanowski's legacy, followed at 7pm by a closing round of recitals, including pieces from Szymanowski's most celebrated opera, the gloriously titled 'King Roger.'
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