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MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS IN 2023
The list of events for the spring of 2023 is below. Please send an RSVP with the letters "RSVP" and the name or date of the meeting/event to Prezes@modjeska.org. RSVP only for our own events, 19 February, 4 March, 25 March, 2 April and 7 May. Different events are organized by others. See you soon!
We are grateful and honored to announce that the Club has been awarded a grant from the Polish Consulate in Los Angeles to support three events this year: Lecture on Icons and Beksinski by Curator Katarzyna Winnicka of Historical Museum in Sanok, that has incredible holdings of art; a performance of Theater Hybrydy from the University of Warsaw in April; and the play Życiorys performed by actor Wojciech Wysocki and musician Piotr Matczuk. These three events are a part of the Spring of Polish Culture in the Western United States, supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles. Our Club, in turn, designated a small grant to support the play Powrót Norwida directed and performed by Marek Probosz, with music played by Łukasz Yoder.
Modjeska Club events marked as HMCC before the date.
Maja Trochimczyk, Jolanta Zych, Leonard Konopelski, at the Polish Posters Exhibition
Below: samples of Polish fonts presented at the Exhibition.
16 and 17 February, 2023, "Exhibit Polski Projekt" of fonts and posters, guided tour from Art Center, Gallery at 950 Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105,
Exhibit of Polish fonts and posters from the collection of Leonard Konopelski, at Art Center College of Design w Pasadenie. Guided tour is scheduled for Feb 16 at 5 pm and the films will be shown on Feb 17.
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Katarzyna A. Smiechowicz and Marek Probosz with Modjeska Prizes
Meeting at the residence of Monique and David Lehman, presentation of the Helena Modjeska Prize 2022 to Katarzyna Smiechowicz and Marek Probosz. Hot buffet dinner. Only 10 places left. Our Club is proud to present the Awards to two eminent actors active in Poland and California. The Modjeska Prize 2022, named after the patron of the Club, actress Helena Modjeska (1840-1909), to two of our friends - a member of the Club and Vice-President, a great actress Katarzyna Śmiechowicz and a friend of the Club and frequent participant of its events, an outstanding actor Marek Probosz. The award ceremony will take place during a dinner at the elegant and artistic residence of Monique Chmielewski Lehman and her husband, former NASA manager and naval officer David Lehman in Pasadena
Students at Katarzyna Winnicka's lecture on March 4, 2023, Polish Alma Mater, Los Angeles
HMCC Saturday, March 4, 2023, 4:30 pm, Art Lecture at Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, Los Angeles, CA 91042-2313
Lecture in Polish by Ms. Katarzyna Winnicka, Curator of the Royal Castle Museum in Sanok, on "Art in Sanok - Icons and Beksinski" illustrated with colorful slides. She is a curator and a unique expert in the art of icons in Poland, the author of many publications on iconography. She is also an expert on the art of the surrealist painter Beksiński - the museum in Sanok has the largest collections in Poland not only of icons, but also of Beksiński's amazing work. This event is prepared in cooperation with the Polish Art Salon in San Diego of Jerzy Barankiewicz. After the lecture, appetizers and desserts will be available. RSVP prezes@modjeska.org
Sunday, March 5, 2023, 4:00 pm, the play "Norwid's Return" performed by Marek Probosz, 2055 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025-5621
The play "Norwid's Return" by Kazimierz Braun, performed by Marek Probosz at the Odyssey Theatre', a play recently awarded at the festival in New York. The play and the actor have great reviews and the performances will be on March 4 at 8 pm and March 5 at 3 pm with music by Anna von Urbans. We had another event scheduled on March 4th. Our Club sponsored this performance with a $500 grant.
Friday, 17 march 2023 at 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Exhibition Krak Art, Vienna Woods Gallery, 351 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Opening of an exhibition of artwork by painters from group Krak Art: Janusz Maszkiewicz (owner of Vienna Woods), Kasia Czerpak-Weglinski, Joanna Fodczuk-Garcia, Andrew Kolo, Leonard Konopelski, Tomasz Misztal, Witold ”Vito” Wójcik and special guest Kasia Krzykawska.
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 8 pm, Song Recital by Sadej and Kocyan, Murphy Recital Hall, 1955 Ignatian Circle, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Classical Song Recital performed by Katarzyna Sadej and Wojciech Kocyan at Loyola Marymount University. A program of fairy tales and fantasies, including songs by Szymanowski, Dvorak, Duparc, Debussy and others. The club is not the organizer of this concert, but encourages everyone to attend this wonderful recital by our member Wociech Kocyan and the excellent mezzo-soprano from Canada Katarzyna Sadej, who visited us in 2018. Admission free, without RSVP.
Katarzyna Sadej with Club member Wojciech Kocyan, March 18, 2023.
Review of the concert by Maja Trochimczyk:
Tuesday, 21 March 2023 at 7:00 pm Group MozART, music comedy by four Polish musicians, McCallum Theater, Palm Springs, CA, mccallumtheater.org, 760 340 2787
Fantastic and very amusing MozART Group presents its interpretations of classical music. You will laugh to tears. Only for fully vaccinated and masked, and with prepaid tickets. Buy your ticket by calling the box office or online.
Tuesday, 21 March 2023. KaroliNA sings jazz at the Catalina Jazz Club (Karolina Naziemiec).
Saturday, 25 March 2023, at 6:30 pm, Meeting with Mariusz Brymora at Bolton Hall Museum,10110 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, Los Angeles, CA 91042-2313
Author's meeting with Mariusz Brymora, former Consul of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles, critically-acclaimed author of several books and editor of a wonderful 750-page volume of Romuald Spasowski's memoirs entitled "Ambassador's Confession" - 20 copies will be available for purchase and signature by the editor. After the meeting, refreshments - please bring desserts and favorite beverages. The meeting is possible thanks to Andy and Lila Dowen, who will take care of our guest. NOTE: NEW LOCATION. RSVP until March 20, prezes@modjeska.org.
Mariusz Brymora with wife, Grazyna, their hosts Andrew & Lila Dowen and Modjeska Club Board members
Sunday, 2 April 2023, 7 pm, Theater of Life- Polish Songs by the Hybrydy Theater, at the Illusion Magic Lounge, 1418 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2309
Performance "Life is Theater / Zycie to Teatr- performed by the UW Hybrydy Theater It is a concert of greatest hits by the masters of Polish song, Agnieszka Osiecka and Wojciech Młynarski, graduates of the University of Warsaw and co-founders of the Hybrydy Theatre, whose lyrics are beloved by generations of Poles. The program will also feature retro hits by other excellent Polish songwriters and composers in a cheerful, lively mood. Starring: Magdalena Rossowska, Dominika Świątek, Maciej Dzięciołowski. Written and directed by Maciej Dzięciołowski. RSVP-prefer@
After the performance by Hybrydy: Magdalena Rossowska, Maciej Dzieciolowski, Dominika Swiatek, Beata Czajkowska, Maja Trochimczyk, Katarzyna Smiechowicz, April 2, 2023
6) Saturday, 15 April 2023, 12.00 noon. The Mass and Consecration of tapestry of Our Lady by Monique Lehman, Christ Cathedral, 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Monique Chmielewski Lehman worked on a copy of the icon of Our Lady of the Bright Mount for over six months and the fruit of her labor, a beautiful tapestry is now at the Christ Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral) in Garden Grove. The Mass in Polish will be at noon a week after Easter on 15 April. A press report in Polish: https://prawy.pl/
Monique Lehman with Ms. Wyszomirski who funded the artwork and the tapestry
The play based on poems and letters of the great poet Zbigniew Herbert, with live music played by our favorite guitarist Piotr Matczuk; the play has received excellent reviews in Poland. The program is prepared in cooperation with Marek Brzeszcz's Jaskółka Amphitheater, where another performance will take place on May 6. Actors will also also appear in Polish schools. The performance was in Polish.
Katarzyna Smiechowicz, Wojciech Wysocki, Maja Trochimczyk, Piotr Kajetan Matczuk, Beata Czajkowska, Anna Sadowska after May 7, 2023 performance.
Audience at Illusion Magic Theater, May 7, 2023
MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS IN 2022
Conversation with Katarzyna Smiechowicz to celebrate Women's Month,
March 19, 2022 via Zoom.
"Papcio Chmiel" Film Screening with Monique Lehman in Pasadena,
27 February 2022 in person
Forgotten Ancient and Medieval History of Poland - with Janusz Bieszk on zoom,
January 15, 2022
Our most popular zoom so far had 1400 views on YouTube and over 2300 on FaceBook!
MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS IN 2021
"Christmas with Modjeska" - Lecture by Joanna Sokolowska Gwizdka, on zoom, December 19, 2021; https://youtu.be/oN_McHjU77k
Christmas Caroling in Anaheim Hills, December 12, 2021 with Karolina and Henryk Chrostek, holiday party potluck, https://youtu.be/otMQr9_ZACc
Lecture on Polish Uprisings by Konrad Wilk and Prof. Andrzej Targowski, november 6, 2021 (in Person, Huntington Beach)
50th Anniversary Ball and Modjeska Prizes Presentations, October 10, 2021
Modjeska Prizes for Englert and Pozniak:
Interview with Jan Englert: https://youtu.be/d01YgiLemwE
Modjeska Prize 2021 for Jan Englert, host Marek Probosz, presenter Maja Trochimczyk
Beata Pozniak with her award and flowers, October 2021
Honorees, and Board members with diplomas for the Club
Marek Probosz as MC
Polish Californian Musicians - Composer Mikolai Stroinski and Conductor Tomasz Golka speak to the Club via zoom, on May 22, 2021
YouTube Video of the Conversation: https://youtu.be/hWH7NNUiObc,
YouTube Video of the Lecture: https://youtu.be/-HLG9baobtI
Women's Month with Katarzyna Sadej, mezzosoprano and Krystyna Sadej, artist, March 27, 2021 on Zoom.
YouTube Video of the conversation: https://youtu.be/mwreT8Ho5fg
On January 31, 2021, at 4 pm Modjeska Club Presents Dr. Iwona Korga and the Pilsudski Institute of America in New York via Zoom.
On February 27, 2021 at 7 pm the Modjeska Club Presents prize-winning Actress Beata Pozniak via Zoom.
On January 2, 2021, the Presentation of the 2020 Modjeska Prize to Andrzej Seweryn took place virtually. The presenters were in the President's garden in California, the recipient at home in Poland, and the interviewer Katarzyna Smiechowicz at home elsewhere in Poland.
Link do Video: https://youtu.be/gXguc-S6qrg
Modjeska Prize 2020 for Andrzej Seweryn, 2 January 2021
Anna Sadowska and Maja Trochimczyk present the Modjeska Prize to Andrzej Seweryn
Andrzej Seweryn - Interview on Zoom
MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS IN 2020
The Modjeska Club's events in the fall of 2020 were all held on Zoom, starting on 12 September 2020
with a Poetry Reading by Anna Maria Mickiewicz, poet based in London, continuing with two events focusing on Polish actors in Hollywood - Monika Ekiert, Martin Harasimowicz, Aleksandra Kaniak on 10 October 2020 and Katarzyna Smiechowicz, Marek Probosz and Matt Szymanowski on 14 November 2020. On December 20, 2020, Prof. Stanislaw Gorka of Poland sang Christmas Carols with his own guitar accompaniment. He also recited Polish poetry in a warm, and affectionate holiday event.
Christmas Carols with Stanislaw Gorka, December 20, 2020
Link do Video: https://youtu.be/1FwZVVuWf8M
Poland and Hollywood - with Katarzyna Smiechowicz, Marek Probosz and Matt Szymanowski,
November 14, 2020.
Polish Hollywood - with Aleksandra Kaniak, Martin Harasimowicz and Monika Ekiert, 10 October 2020
DOMINIKA SWIATEK I ANDRZEJ PERKMAN - GROSZKI I ROZE IN SANTA MONICA
In February 2020, Dominika Swiatek gave a recital of poetic songs, with piano accompaniment by Andrzej Perkman, and technical support / sound design by Andrzej Warzecha, Emmy winner.
MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS IN THE FALL OF 2019
We had a very busy year 2018-2019. The Modjeska Club welcomed the New Year on December 31, 2019 with a New Year's Eve Ball!
We are delighted to invite members and friends of the Modjeska Club to a wonderful concert of Shandy & Eva, promoting their new CD "Give it a Try" - we have been friends with these musicians for a while and greatly appreciate their talents.
What: Los Angeles Album Release Concert
When: Saturday, November 9th, 2019, 8pm
Where: Kulak's Woodshed, 5230 Laurel Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91607
How: RSVP to prezes@modjeska.org to November 7 (Thursday), tickets are $10 and Modjeska Club members attend for free.
Shandy & Eva is an acoustic duet performing their original songs. Shandy (Shandrelica Casper) is a drummer and a percussionist from Curacao in the Caribbean, Eva (Ewa Zmijewska) is a guitarist from Warsaw, Poland. They both sing and compose, Shandy and Eva met at Los Angeles College of Music in Pasadena where they graduated with Associate of Arts degree in Vocal Performance. In 2015, during their studies they formed the duet, started playing show and writing music together. Later on Shandy graduated from LA College of Music with a Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance and Eva graduated from California Institute of the Arts with a Performer-Composer Master’s Degree.
The Duet not only performs in the Los Angeles area, but is also known in Poland and in the Caribbean. Shandy & Eva’s music can be generally described as pop/singer-songwriter style, nevertheless the duet’ songs are inspired by many different musical genres like jazz, latin, or even country. They closely collaborate with a Polish music producer and engineer Kris Gorski and on August 11th 2019 they played a concert in Sopot, Poland and released their first studio album, "Give It a Try". After a successful tour in Poland, Shandy & Eva are back in Los Angeles and are pleased to invite you to their LA Album Release Concert!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/784Lit3qDDU8lQLJIiFsym
"Feeling it Together" Art Exhibition of Krak Art Group
Opening Reception November 23, 6-9pm at the Vienna Woods Gallery,
351 La Brea Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90036. Artwork by Polish American artists: Joanna Fodczuk-Garcia, Andrew Kolo, Leonard Konopelski, Janusz Maszkiewicz, Tomasz Misztal, Kasia Czerpal-Weglinska, and Witold Vito Wojcik. This event is organized by our friends from Krak Art Group, free admission, no RSVP.
"Feeling it Together" Art Exhibition of Krak Art Group
Opening Reception November 23, 6-9pm at the Vienna Woods Gallery,
351 La Brea Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90036. Artwork by Polish American artists: Joanna Fodczuk-Garcia, Andrew Kolo, Leonard Konopelski, Janusz Maszkiewicz, Tomasz Misztal, Kasia Czerpal-Weglinska, and Witold Vito Wojcik. This event is organized by our friends from Krak Art Group, free admission, no RSVP.
Andrew Kolo's Art and Poetry at Village Poets Event in Bolton Hall Museum
Village Poets of Sunland Tujunga will present Andrew Kolo and Cile Borman on Sunday November 24, 2019 at 4:30 pm at Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga. Village Poets is a group of former Poets Laureate of Sunland Tujunga who promote Los Angeles poets, write poetry, and publish books. Maja Trochimczyk serves as Artistic Director of the group, inviting all featured poets. Free admission, suggested donation for the upkeep of the hall $3. This event is not organized by the Modjeska Club.
http://villagepoets.blogspot.com/2019/11/cile-borman-singer-and-poet-with-andrew.html
Village Poets of Sunland Tujunga will present Andrew Kolo and Cile Borman on Sunday November 24, 2019 at 4:30 pm at Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga. Village Poets is a group of former Poets Laureate of Sunland Tujunga who promote Los Angeles poets, write poetry, and publish books. Maja Trochimczyk serves as Artistic Director of the group, inviting all featured poets. Free admission, suggested donation for the upkeep of the hall $3. This event is not organized by the Modjeska Club.
http://villagepoets.blogspot.com/2019/11/cile-borman-singer-and-poet-with-andrew.html
Christmas Carols with Marcin Gortat and Friends
Our member-only exclusive Christmas Caroling Party will take place this year on December 7, 2019, at 6 pm at the elegant residence of Helena and Stanley Kolodziey in Beverly Hills, CA. The program includes a conversation with Marcin Gortat about his career, interests and plans, a concert by a mystery guest from New Orleans brought in by Mr. Gortat, and Christmas Carols sing-along. Of course, a Christmas catered dinner with amazing traditional treats, and lots of heartwarming music and fun. The invitation will be sent out in November.
New Year's Eve Ball at the Olympic Collection with Zbigniew Galazka
Tuesday, December 31, 2019, 8 pm. New Year's Eve Ball with Zbigniew Galazka
The Modjeska Club will welcome the New Year on December 31, 2019 with a New Year's Eve Ball, at the Imperial Ballroom, The Olympic Collection, 11301W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (just west of 405)! Evening attire, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, desserts, open bar, and dance music by Zbigniew Galazka - what's not to like? So save the date, and tell your friends. The reservations go to Elzbieta Przybyla, Treasurer, at 626 484 2537.
Tickets $145 members, $155 guests per person. You can also mail your check to Modjeska Club POBOX 4288 Sunland CA 91041-4288 attn. Maja Trochimczyk, President (Elzbieta is in Poland to November 5, so we are accelerating the processing of funds this way).
Past Events, Fall 2019
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 2 pm - WWII 80th Anniversary Concert at Santa Monica Public Library
This event, hosted by Polish American Congress of Southern CA, and partly sponsored by the Modjeska Club, at the main library in Santa Monica (6th and Santa Monica Blvd.) from 2 - 5 pm. included Polish music provided by Marek Zebrowski and a quartet of musicians. These featured Grazyna Bacewicz's String Quartet No. 1 (1938) and 4 popular film songs by Henryk Wars (written between 1930-1939). Besides the quartet, the concert presented Chopin's Nocturne (from Polanski's film The Pianist) and Szymanowski's Mazurkas (selected from Op. 50), performed by Marek Zebrowski. Introductory remarks and a historical overviewwas provided by Marek and the Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Jaroslaw Lasinski. Refreshments were served afterwards, courtesy of Wanda Presburger Helena Kolodziej. Posters depicting the beginning of the WWII and Poland's First to Fight were shown courtesy of the Consulate of Poland. The event itself was free of charge. Seating was limited to 146 available seats in the library auditorium. There was no RSVP. The Modjeska Club sponsors the event with $250 donation and had 25 reserved seats.
Modjeska Club Board members in attendance at the First to Fight Concert
Dr. Elzbieta Trybus, Dr. Maja Trochimczyk, Dr. Witold Sokolowski, Beata Czajkowska, Manager of Ewelina B. Fashion company.
From September 13, 2019 - Another Day of Life, film about Ryszard Kapuscinski, at Laemmle Theater in Glendale
(Not a club-sponsored event). \GKIDS will soon release ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE, based on the book by celebrated Polish journalist Ryszard “Ricardo” Kapuściński. The film follows Kapuściński in 1975 as he reports from Luanda while civil war breaks out following Angola’s independence from Portugal. Against all advice, Kapuściński is intent on driving south into the heart of the bloody conflict to find the isolated rebel leader Farrusco. You can click go to AnotherDayOfLifeMovie.com for additional information. The film will be playing in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Glendale starting September 13th.
September 13, 2019 - Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Eagle Scout Thomas Nelson
On Saturday, September 13, 2019, Club President, Maja Trochimczyk, Presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Thomas Nelson who renovated a Polish-made plane, MIG-15 at the Air Force Museum at the March Air Force Base in Riverside. The project was Mr. Nelson's Eagle Scout special project, and he worked on removing rust and repainting the plane for over three months of the summer, assisted by fellow scouts for parts of the project. The energy, creativity, and hard work of Mr. Nelson, high school senior, are greatly appreciated and we wish him well! Dr. Trochimczyk also delivered a certificate of appreciation from the President of Polish American Congress - Southern California, Mieczyslaw Dutkowski. The museum features many fascinating exhibitions and many planes are located outdoors on the taramac. There is one more Polish-made plane there, which also needs to be repainted. Both planes, and several others were donated to the Air Force Museum by an anonymous collector. It is a mystery how these planes found their way into his possession, perhaps through a defection of pilots with the planes.
Maja Trochimczyk with Thomas Nelson and certificates
Saturday, September 21, 2019, 6 pm - Prof. Andrzej Targowski's Lecture at the Iwanczyk Residence
Prof. Targowski presented his recent book "Borders of Civilizations" published in 2019. The event included a catered dinner and was the first gathering of club members after vacations. Free to members. The Iwanczyk address was sent to members in an email. Members were asked to bring their own beverages and fruit for dessert. The club ordered dinner and cakes.
Andrew (Andrzej) Targowski is a Polish-American computer scientist specializing in enterprise computing, societal computing, information technology impact upon civilization, information theory, wisdom theory, and civilization theory. One of the pioneers of applied information systems in Poland, he is an executive, university professor, scientist, civilization-scholar, philosopher, visionary, writer, and generalist. In Poland he is known for developing a computerized the social security number (PESEL, 1972–74) for 38 million citizens,[4] a prototype of INFOSTRADA (1972–1974), and authoring of the first books on applied information technology in business, economy, and society. In the United States he has developed one of the first digital cities in the U.S., teleCITY of Kalamazoo, Michigan (1992–1996). He concentrated on the cognitive informatics-oriented development of the theories of enterprise-wide system, information, communication, civilization, and wisdom.
The event was intellectually stimulating, and led to many heated discussions among club members. Prof. Targowski presented a "doom-and-gloom" scenario of the end of human civilization on Earth, caused by the current trajectory of over-exploitation of natural resources and overpopulation. Many listeners, of a far more positive mindset, profoundly disagreed with his theses, while appreciating his effort to collect and analyze available data. We simply do not know enough about hidden technologies, already available, like free energy (the U.S. made top secret every single patent filed for original energy devices and many more exotic technologies - over 6 thousands of them - now known only to few, and exploited by those who enslave us all). Thus, the change that we all need is possible when the system of governance on the planet is completely changed, those currently in power (banks, corporations) are removed, and the secrets revealed. It is those greedy corporate banksters that rule over us with propaganda, lies, and exploitation, that have no regard for the sacredness of earth and human life, that destroy one species of plant and animal after another, that "terraform" Earth for an alien species by spraying aluminium and other metal compounds in fake experiments to "dim the sun" (Gates and Harvard), and that poison the human population to cull the herd, as they like to say it with fake food, toxic water, toxic air, and toxic "medicine" including very toxic and cancer-spreading vaccinations (SM40 in polio injected in 98 million people, etc.). The Earth has plenty natural resources to support us all. The myth of scarcity is a myth to make us fear of the future, and there is nothing to fear but fear itself. That's one response to Prof. Targowski's speech that was quite prominent in our discussions.
Prof. Andrzej Targowski and Dr. Irina Targowska
Saturday, September 28, 2019, 7 pm. - Konrad Wilk Presents 80/75 - Warsaw at War - poetry and songs about WWII and Warsaw Uprising
We included this event on the list, to encourage Modjeska Club members to attend. The performance commemorated the 80th anniversary of the start of WWII and the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. Before the performance, Konrad Wilk wrote: "80/75 - Warsaw at War - on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Santa Monica Playhouse at 7pm I will stage an artistic commemoration in honor of the 80th anniversary of the siege of Warsaw and the 75th anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. The program ENTIRELY IN POLISH will feature poetry and narrative performed by the amazing Ms. Monika Ekiert and the talented Mr. Lukas Dziemidok, with songs performed by the wonderful Mrs. Jolanta Tensor and the sultry Mrs. Sylvia Wilk and a waltz by Ms. Ewa Violet and Mr. Krzystof Glowinkowski. We will have the honor of introduction remarks by Dr. Maja Trochimczyk. Mr Dave Rodgers has been amazing in his technical, musical and theatrical assistance as has Mr. Nickolas Stephens in his role as costume director, along with stage set design assistance of Ms Ewa Violet, and advertisement of Ula Jaskolka Beaudoin and graphics of Mr. Andrew Kolo. Special thanks go to Ms. Elizabeth Kanski for her invaluable assistance. I want to also thank my mother Ms. Liliana Tademar for allowing us to use material from her mother's Dr. Alicia Burakowska's diary. The show is $25.00 - either by e-mail or at the door. Refreshments will be served at 6pm."
LOCATION: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 - parking across the street in Parking Lot 1; near corner of Wilshire Blvd and 4th Street. More information: KonradWilk@gmail.com
Sunday, September 29, 2019, 3 pm - Classical Piano Recital by the Yoder Brothers at Prof. Kocyan Residence, Baldwin Hills
Dominik, Lukasz and Kasper Yoder are the children of pianists Roza Kostrzewska-Yoder, well known as a piano teacher promoting Polish music to all her students, and Dr. Douglas Yoder, an American pianist and piano professor. The young pianists have started to participate in international competition and we decided to present their talents to the Modjeska Club members and guests. The recital featured Polish music and was held at the elegant home of Prof. Wojciech Kocyan in Baldwin Hills. Reception featured sushi rolls from Blue Fish, Polish, Italian and Armenian deserts.
Lukasz Yoder has been playing piano since the age of four. Enriched by the musical tradition of his mother and teacher Roza Kostrzewska Yoder whose studies with Jan Ekier place her in direct lineage to the music teacher and pianist Theodor Leschetitzky, Lukasz has received numerous accolades for his “revolutionary” performances marked by their “controlled intensity”. Grand Prize Winner of the Lansum International Music Festival, Lukasz is a top prizewinner of the Beverly Hills National Auditions, Claudette Sorel International Piano Competition in Fredonia, New York, Classics Alive National Auditions, The Kosciuszko Foundations National Chopin Competition in Washington D.C. (category 16-18 years old), The International Chopin Competition in Hartford, Connecticut, Glendale Piano Competition, MTAC, MTNA, CAPMT State Finals, and the statewide Kathryn Gawartin Chopin Competition. Lukasz has performed concerts on both coasts of the United States, Europe and Puerto Rico, in venues that include Zipper Hall of the Colburn School of Music, the Polish Embassy in Washington DC, the Kosciuszko Foundation’s headquarters in NYC, the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico, the Dzialynski Palace and White Hall of Poznan, Poland, as well as Zelazowa Wola, Chopin's birthplace. Lukasz has had lessons or masterclasses with Garrick Ohlsson, Eteri Andjaparidze, Edward Wolanin, Dina Yoffe, Natalia Troull, Pawel Nersessian, Antoinette Perry, Dmitri Rachmanov, Baruch Meir, and Wojciech Kocyan. He has recorded for Polish Radio and Television, and been featured in the Polish and American Press.
For the program, he selected several works by Chopin, his favorite composer, and ended the concert with Grazyna Bacewicz's Toccata from her Piano Sonata No. 2 - a virtuosic showpiece that also required the knowledge of Polish folklore, as it is permeated by the rhythms of oberek (fast version of the national dance, mazurka). The technically spotless and emotionally touching performance won the approval of the host, pianist Wojciech Kocyan.
Dominik Yoder began studying piano at the age of three. He was awarded the Gold Medal in the 2018 Kosciuszko Foundation Competition for Young Pianists in Washington, D.C. (category 13-15 years old) Dominik also received: First Prize in the 2017 MTAC State and CAPMT State Competitions and the 2017 Parness Concerto Competition; Honorable Mention and a Special Prize from the jury in the 2015 San Jose International Piano Competition; Second Prize in the 2014 MTAC Pasadena Music Competition; and First Prize at the 2013 CAPMT State Level Honors Auditions, the 2012 Long Beach Mozart Festival, the 2012 Southern California Junior Bach Festival (Gold Medal), the 2009 SYMF Competition, the 2009 CAPMT Sonata Competition, the 2010 CAPMT Honors Auditions, and the 2011 CAPMT State competition. He has also been a prizewinner of the Glendale Piano Competition and Cypress Piano Competition. Dominik has performed in Żelazowa Wola, birthplace of Frederic Chopin, and for Polish radio and television. He has given concerts in the United States, Germany, and Puerto Rico. Dominik has also performed with the Culver City Symphony Orchestra and the Southwest Youth Chamber Music Festival Orchestra. He currently studies under Róża Kostrzewska Yoder. Dominik enjoys surfing and rock climbing.
At the recital, he played with flare and dramatic touches Russian romantic selections by Rachmaninoff and Balakiriev, as well as his own composition showcasing his talent as a pianist and composer following an individual path.
Kasper Yoder is 12 years old and has already won prizes in several piano competitions, for instance in National Young Artists Auditions in Los Angeles, 2018 Lansum International Piano Festival and many more. Not intimidated by the prowess of his brothers, Mr. Kasper Yoder, the first to perform, enchanted the audience with his rendition of great romantic piano classics. We see a bright future for this young man.
Board Member Anna Sadowska presents flowers to the pianists.
Modjeska Club Board with flowers for the host, Wojciech Kocyan.
Saturday, 5 October 2019 - 50th Anniversary Ball of Polam, Atheneum, Cal Tech Club, Pasadena
Modjeska Club Board at Polam 59th Anniversary Ball at The Atheneum, Pasadena
The Modjeska Club was in attendance to congratulate POLAM Federal Credit Union for serving the Polish community so generously over the 50 years of its existence. The Club received grants from POLAM in the past for its larger public events and a congratulatory letter from the Club's Board was included in the event's program book. POLAM sponsored the celebration that featured a performance by young pianist M. Wisniewski, remarks and award presentation by Consul General of the Republic of Poland Mr. Jaroslaw Lasinski, Agata Pilitowska with Maria Nowotarska from Polish Theater of Toronto, and dance music after dinner by Zbigniew Galazka. There was also a Spanish guitar solo in another room, and ample space and time for friendly conversations.
Modjeska Club with Chris Hiller, President of Polam
The Atheneum has lots of welcoming spots for conversations.
Lukasz Yoder danced a mazurka, not just a pianist, also a dancer! With E. Kanski
Sunday, 6 October 2019, 5 pm - "Chopin" play by Polish Teatr from Toronto presented by Klub PAPA, Orange County
Play "Dobry Wieczor Monsieur Chopin" The Polish-Canadian Society of Theater and the Polish American Performance Arts Club PAPA in Orange County presented an evening of beautiful music and impressions! Trained in Krakow, Maria Nowotarska and Agata Pilitowska brought their talents to Northern America when they began the Poetry, Music, and Theater Salon in Toronto, Canada. Now they are bringing their talents to Orange County. Tickets were $35 and $25 for members of the Modjeska Club. The performance took place at Curtis Theater in Brea, CA, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821. When purchasing tickets, the Club members were asked to identify as such, and give their names for the list to be kept by Darek Swiatkowski. Only members with paid membership for 2019 were eligible for this discount.
Darek Swiatkowski, Maja Trochimczyk, Maria Nowotarska, Agata Pilitowska, Anna Krusiewicz , a long time club member.
Agata Pilitowska poses with Ewa Barsam Director of Community Relations at Modjeska Club at the Atheneum before the POLAM 50th Anniversary Ball.
Saturday, October 12, 2019 - Paderewski Lecture at USC
This year, the Polish Music Center’s annual Paderewski Lecture-Recital presented the latest expanded version of "Three Paderewskis" - on Saturday, October 12 at 8:00 p.m. in USC’s Newman Recital Hall. This presentation of an exciting musical-opera hybrid, steeped in Polish history will also feature a discussion with Oliver Mayer and Jenni Brandon. The Modjeska Club supports this annual event with a donation of $250. The "Three" Paderewskis were young, of middle age, and old, and the voices were of a soprano, tenor, and baritone. The music included many quotations from classics including Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, Polish national anthem, patriotic songs, and music by Paderewski himself. An exceptional piece, exceedingly well written to capture the essence of a life well lived. The "ghost" of Paderewski's first wife, Antonina provided a poignant narrative through the work, an unusual touch since Paderewski is most often depicted with his second wife, Helena, entirely absent from this libretto. Congratulations to the authors, and organizers. Exceptional production!
Witold Sokolowski, Maja Trochimczyk with Jenni Braden under the portrait of Flora Thornon, the patron and main funder of the USC School of Music.
Friday, October 18, 2019 Polish Film Festival Los Angeles - Opening Gala
The Opening Gala of the Festival took place this year at the Writers' Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. It was the 20th edition and the last one managed by Vladek Juszkiewicz who is moving away to Palm Springs. The screening of the "Valley of Gods" by Janusz Majewski was preceded by many awards on the occasion of the 20th anniversary - Gloria Artis Bronze Medal to Vladek and Elizabeth Kanski, President of Polish American Film Society, Medal for the Promotion of Polish Culture to Marek Berger, diplomas to numerous supporters of the Festival including our own Krystyna Kuszta, and more. The screenings were held in Santa Monica and North Hollywood. The Modjeska Club supports this annual event with a donation of $250.
Elzbieta Kanska with Maja Trochimczyk
The Vice President and President on the red carpet.
Witold Sokolowski and Chris Justin with Syl Ves, Director of Membership
Board Members with great actress, club member, Aleksandra Kaniak
PAST EVENTS IN THE 2018-19 SEASON
AUGUST 23, 2018 at 8 p.m. CHOPIN CONCERT AT HOLLYWOOD BOWL
The selection of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 (with Sergio Tiempo, piano solo) and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5 makes up a lovely summer program. The long intermission of over 30 minutes gives time to talk and party - bring your own picnic basket and wine! Low-price tickets are available to groups, so the Club may make a reservation for at least 20 people to sit together in one section of the enormous auditorium and enjoy music under the stars (with the addition of helicopters and coyote howling at times). The concert is free to members who will RSVP in time, by August 1, 2018. https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/407/
The Kupiński Guitar Duo—Ewa Jablczynska and Dariusz Kupinski—perform Rossini: "La Gazza Ladra overture," Chopin: "Two Mazurkas and a Waltz," Rachmaninov: "Prelude, Opus 23, No, 5," and Gershwin: "Rhapsody in Blue." The concert is free, but due to broadcast, doors close right at 6 or a minute before, so if you are late you cannot come in until after the break.
http://www.lacma.org/event/kupi%C5%84ski-guitar-duo
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018, 8 PM. CLUB PAPA PRESENTS POLISH THEATER FROM TORONTO. "Tamara de Lempicka" based on a biography of a famous Polish painter. Modjeska Club members are encouraged to attend and meet-up at this event, sponsored by Club PAPA of Orange County. Curtis Theater City of Brea, 1 Civic Center, Brea, CA, tickets $35.
Club members receive discount of $15 and pay $20 per ticket. RSVP to be on the discount list to Maja.Trochimczyk@gmail.com by August 15, 2018 AND make reservations for the actual tickets with Club PAPA at the same time - to Darek Swiatkowski at darek3@cox.net. We do not purchase tickets, only subsidize club members's tickets by making a one-time payment to Club PAPA for the pre-registered Modjeska Club members.
Dormeuse by Tamara de Lempicka
22 SEPTEMBER, SATURDAY, 5PM: FIRST MEETING
Interview with Dr Jan Iwanczyk, physicist, winner of the 2018 Award "Eminent Pole/ Wybitny Polak" - in a private residence in Brentwood.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018
A month of Polish cultural events in Southern California
Consul Ignacy Zarski, Marek Zebrowski, Maja Trochimczyk and Witold Sokolowski
14 OCTOBER. PADEREWSKI LECTURE AT USC. Polish Music Center, University of Southern California, Newman Recital Hall in Hancock Auditorium. Partly sponsored by the Modjeska Club.
Red Carpet 2018: Basia Bochenek, Janusz Madej, Katarzyna Sadej, Maja Trochimczyk
OCTOBER 17-25, 2018: POLISH FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES
http://www.polishfilmla.org/. OCTOBER 17, Wednesday: Opening Gala of the Festival. Guests include Consul General of Poland, Jaroslaw Lasinski. OCTOBER 17-25: Film screenings around town, see www.polishfilmla.org for the program.
https://modjeskaclub.blogspot.com/2018/10/100-years-of-poland-in-music-text-of.html
27 OCTOBER, 8 pm (Saturday): POLISH MUSIC. Piano Recital of prof. Wojciech Kocyan, Loyola Marymount University - Program of Polish Music
Maja Trochimczyk with Kasia Czerpak-Weglinski
Maja Trochimczyk with Miro Kepinski
1-4 NOVEMBER. PADEREWSKI FESTIVAL IN PASO ROBLES. http://www.paderewskifest.com/
5 NOVEMBER. The 100th Anniversary of Poland's Regained Independence.
Anniversary Gala Concert by Kate Liu. Colburn School of Music. With Senator Anna Maria Anders Costa. Sponsored by the Polish Consulate and Polish National Foundation
http://chopinwithcherries.blogspot.com/2018/11/los-angeles-celebrates-100-years-of.html
Consul General Jaroslaw Lasinski opens the 100 Anniversary Gala Concert
Address by Anna Maria Anders Costa, Senator and Secretary of State
President Maja Trochimczyk, Director Chris Justin with Maciej Swirski and
Vice President of Polish National Foundation
President Maja Trochimczyk, Director Chris Justin with Maciej Swirski and
Vice President of Polish National Foundation
Maja Trochimczyk, Kate Liu, Consul Lasinski
10 NOVEMBER, Saturday, at 5 pm. INDEPENDENCE DAY MASS AND ORGAN RECITAL, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, with an Organ Recital. Free event sponsored by the Polish Consulate in LA.
Modjeska Board with Edward Hoffman in "stroj szlachecki"
15 DECEMBER, CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND RECEPTION
(holiday event at McGroarty Arts Center, Tujunga, for Club members only).
Mini-recital of Christmas Carols by Teresa Kubiak i Wojciech Kocyan
Presentation of the Modjeska Prize
Presentation of the Modjeska Prize
26-27 DECEMBER. DAR MLODZIEZY TALLSHIP IN SAN PEDRO - a collaboration with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute of Poland, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland.
Sight seeing at the Tall Ship location is available on
December 25 after noon to 6pm,
December 26 from 10am to 6pm and
December 27 from 10am to 5 pm.
Dar Mlodziezy, Fot. Dorota Nelke
CLUB EVENTS IN 2019
12 JANUARY 2019, 6 pm. Hellada Gallery. The Art of Seeing - Lecture of Marek Dzida and Presentation of Fiber Art by Monique Lehman Chmielewski. Free, open to the public. Hellada Gallery is located on 117 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802, street parking (mind the signs to not get a ticket).
Lehman weaves a portrait of her father comic-book creater Mr. Chmielewski
A native of Warsaw, Poland and a graduate of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, Monique Lehman is an accomplished and original tapestry artist whose work may be found in museum collections around the world (the Vatican, Long Beach Museum of Art, Central Museum of Textiles in Lodz, Poland and the Space Museum in Cape Canaveral, FL), as well as in many American public buildings, city halls, churches, hospitals and synagogues. Her creative output continues the centuries of development of unique fiber art tradition, previously unknown in America and created exclusively by Polish artists.
Lehman in China with a poster based on her self-portrait tapestry
Photos:
Piotr Kajetan Matczuk
17 FEBRUARY 2019. Magdalena Grzebalkowska, biographer of Krzysztof Komeda in Conversation with Andrzej Maleski. Meeting with journalist and writer, in a private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Pilatowicz. Free for members, (RSVP to 10 Feb)) and open to guests ($30 per person).
17 MARCH, 2019. Teen singer, Wiktoria Tracz, and Krzysztof Dzikowski, librettist, in a concert of Polish songs at the South Pasadena Community Room on 1115 El Centro St. in South Pasadena at 6 p.m. South Pasadena: FREE and OPEN to the public.
https://modjeskaclub.blogspot.com/2019/02/krzysztof-dzikowski-and-wiktora-tracz.html
28 MARCH 2019 at 6 pm. "Who was Helena Modjeska?" Lecture by Dr. Maja Trochimczyk, Laguna Art Museum, special event accompanying the Helena Modjeska Exhibition. The Club will receive two large portraits of Modjeska - banner-size that were made for this exhibition.
https://modjeskaclub.blogspot.com/2019/04/world-premiere-of-helena-by-marta.html
RSVP by June 15, first come first serve to prezes@modjeska.org
FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO PERFORMANCES CLUB MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO BUY TICKETS ON THEIR OWN, AND MEETUP AFTER THE PERFORMANCE.
June 15, 2019 (also on June 16 and 19). Andrzej Kolodziej's Play about Salvador Dali, The Trial of Dali. Teatr Fantazja from Sydney, Australia. Los Angeles Fringe Festival. North Hollywood, 3:45pm. After the Performance we will meet to discuss the play with the actors, director, and author, at another location, starting at 5:30 to 7 pm
ADDRESS: The Complex Hollywood, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood
TICKETS: Saturday June 15 2019, 3:45 PM | 80 mins. The Complex Hollywood (Ruby Theatre )
6476 Santa Monica Blvd; click on ticket tab:
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6195?tab=tickets
The play is also performed on: Sunday June 16 2019, 1:45 PM; Wednesday June 19 2019, 6:15 PM |
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6195?performance_id=16879&tab=performance
“The Trial of Dali” is a comedic play set in 1948 Spain that depicts the legal troubles of the flamboyant Surrealist, artist Salvador Dali. Dali and his wife and muse Gala, return from the U.S. to Dali’s small home town of Figueres, in his native Spain, at a time when Dali is broken financially and artistically (although he would never admit it). Upon arrival, Dali is served with a summons to a trial prosecuted by a vengeful attorney bent on proving Dali’s art has violated the moral code. Ultimately to win his freedom, prove his relevance as an artist, and save his marriage, Dali must defend himself by defending his art. Be ready to “get surreal,” in this humorous, satirical play.
June 15, 23 and 28, 2019. The Seven Year Itch, starring Polish actress Monika Ekiert as Marylin Monroe. The performances are at Hollywood's McCadden Theatre on Saturday June 15 at 8pm, Sunday June 23 at 1pm and Friday June 28 at 7pm.
ADDRESS: McCadden Place Theatre, 1157 North McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038
TICKETS: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5910 OR Hollywood Fringe.org.
https://local.aarp.org/event/hollywood-fringe-festival-the-seven-year-itch-2019-06-15-los-angeles-ca.html
Maja Trochimczyk With members of the Modjeska Club - Witek Witold Sokolowski VP, Maja Trochimczyk, President, and in the lower pic, with Community Relations Director Ewa Barsam, and Club members Dr. Andrzej Twardowski, Dr. Twardowska, Mr. and Mrs Jasienski.Sebastien Cipolla, Sandro Monetti, Aleksandra Kaniak and Maja Trochimczyk at Hollywood.
It’s one of the most iconic images in screen history – Marilyn Monroe in that white dress in The Seven Year Itch. The much loved film was adapted from this highly acclaimed play by George Axelrod. Polish actress Monika Ekiert steps into the role of ‘The Girl’ and CNN and BBC personality Sandro Monetti plays the hapless husband in this hilarious and charming romantic comedy.
Produced in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery, Bruce B Lee and Big Screen Entertainment Group.
This was a very special, enilightening event with excellent presentation by Dr. Maja Trochimczyk and very interesting and unique exhibit of Helena Modjeska's hand illustrated book for children plus many more items from her musuem/home in Arden.
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