2011 marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Czesław Miłosz. In commemoration of the Miłosz centennial, the Kraków-based Book Institute and various institutions around the world have organised a year-long event dedicated to his memory and his works
The programme is made up of new book publications, conferences, discussions, and exhibitions devoted to the poet, organized in Poland and abroad - from Krasnojarsk through Vilnius, Krasnogruda, Kraków, and Paris, to New York and San Francisco. The culminating point of all events is the second edition of the the second edition of the
Czeslaw Miłosz Literary Festival, taking place in Kraków between May 9 -15, 2011.
Conceived as a meeting between experienced and beginner translators of Milosz's work, researchers and critics, the seminar will provide a chance for exchange of experience and knowledge between people involved in popularizing the works of the Nobel-Prize winning writer in various cultures and languages from across the world and - above all - in-depth work on particular translation issues under the guidance of experienced translators and authorities on the work of a poet, prose writer, translator and essayist renowned all over the world. The MILOSZ 365 Translation Seminar is aimed at all translators of Polish literature interested in Czeslaw Milosz and planning to translate his works. It features two four-hour work sessions, during which the participants will work on the translation of selected works by Milosz under the guidance of experienced translators, as well as Polish experts and authorities on the poet's works. The plan is to create a few multilingual groups focused on particular works by Milosz, whether poetry or prose. The names of the seminar leaders, suggestions for works and recommended prior reading materials will be provided to those interested in participating, with enough notice to facilitate preparation. Apart from the workshops, there will also be a discussion panel with Czeslaw Milosz's translators concerning the presence of his works in various cultures and literatures. All interested candidates can apply via the Book Institute in Kraków and must have a working knowledge of Polish. Those qualifying to participate in the seminar and to receive scholarships will be chosen by a commission made up of Clare Cavanagh, Anders Bodegard, Xenia Starosielska, Grzegorz Gauden, and Magda Heydel. For more information, see:
www.milosz365.euIn September Kraków's Sacrum Profanum Festival dedicates its repertoire to the verses of Miłosz, inviting Paweł Mykietyn, Agata Zubel, Wojciech Ziemowit Zych, Aleksandra Gryka and Dobromiła Jaskot to compose original scores on the basis of Czesław Miłosz's works. The compositions will premiere at the 9th Sacrum Profanum Festival and will be performed by five outstanding ensembles: Ensemble Modern, Klangforum Wien, Asko|Schönberg and London Sinfonietta which are already known to the festival's audience and an American ensemble Alarm Will Sound which will make its debut in Kraków. The event takes place between September 12 - September 15, 2011. For more information, see:
www.sacrumprofanum.comThe year-long programme of events is constantly growing, with a great number of artistic, musical and literary institutions planning their tributes to the poet. The Book Institute has launched a website dedicated to Czesław Miłosz, with many valuable resources and information on upcoming events:
www.milosz365.eu.