WARSAW: INAUGURATION OF THE POLISH PRESIDENCY OF THE EU COUNCIL
Between 1 July and 31 December 2011, Poland will preside over the works of the Council of the European Union.Aside from its strictly political dimension, the Presidency also gives the country holding it an opportunity to build its image as a nation and a member of the EU
For many years, culture has been a vital element of the activities promoting Poland in the European Union, hence cultural institutions are taking an active part in the preparations for the first Polish Presidency. By way of a decision of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage (MCNH), the National Audiovisual Institute (NInA) has been entrusted with the task of designing and implementing the Cultural Programme – Polish EU Presidency 2011.
The Cultural Programme of the Inauguration, planned as an all‑day musical performance, will be given on four stages set up especially for this event, each dedicated to a different music genre.The repertoire will embrace: classical music, interdisciplinary musical performances and projects for children, alternative and jazz music, and music of national and ethnic minorities.The programme will feature Polish and European artists.The programme of the Inauguration will also comprise a premiere performance of a 50‑minute piece by Paweł Mykietyn, Symphony No 3, specially composed for the Inauguration of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.
WARSAW TAKLING– main stage, plac Defilad • 22.00 – 2.00
The final concert of the Inauguration of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council on 1st July on the Main Stage on Plac Defilad in Warsaw. A music show entitled “WARSAW TAKLING” based on the scenario by Krzysztof Materna and Kuba Wojewódzki, will be the main event during the Inauguration of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.The programme of the multimedia show, which will take place on three stages connected by multimedia links, will comprise the most popular classical and pop pieces performed by Polish and foreign artists, screening of original film impressions and a spectacular fireworks show around the Palace of Culture.
How would popular songs, such as “Dream of Warsaw “ , “In My Garden” or “I Lied” sound performed by singers from abroad?Can Polish pop hits be performed together with Chopin’s mazurkas, jazz pieces by Krzysztof Komeda and works by Wojciech Kilar?“To present the Polish music culture and put on a mass event is like bringing water and fire together,” said Krzysztof Materna, adding that“This is why we prepared a programme that would be appreciated by classical music enthusiasts and millions of Poles alike. It will match the tastes of several generations.”The “WARSAW TAKLING ” project, organised on the occasion of Poland’s Presidency of the EU Council, is an innovative approach to presentation of Polish culture.It is a musical feast with the participation of best Polish and foreign artists,a contemporary presentation of Poland’s music, film, literary, theatrical and artistic achievements.The show will end with a party and a fireworks show.Script authors and directors are Krzysztof Materna and Kuba Wojewódzki, the director for music is Adam Sztaba, and stages on Plac Defilad will be designed by Radosław Dębniak.
The 3.5 hour concert will start with anthems of Poland and the European Union.The first part will cover classical, film and jazz music hits.Works by Frederic Chopin, Andrzej Kurylewicz, Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, Krzysztof Komeda and Wojciech Kilar will be performed by distinguished pianists: Janusz Olejniczak, Leszek Możdżer, orchestra: Sinfonia Varsovia, bands: Tomasz Stańko Quintet, Me, Myself and I and violinist Sebastian Karpiel-Bułecka.American trumpet player Chris Botti will perform as a special guest.In the second part, which is to remind us of the milestones of Polish pop music, will cover performances by Perfekt, Myslovitz, Lech Janerka and Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa.The programme also covers surprising interpretations by the following artists: vocal group Manhattan Transfer, singer Michael Bolton, saxophonist Kenny G. as well as singers Angie Stone and Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries).During the final fireworks show, “Orawa” by Wojciech Kilarwill be background music.“It will be an unprecedented event. In city space, fireworks will correspond to the mood, the dramatic effect and energy of the piece which is a gem of Polish chamber music” emphasised Materna.The evening will end with the third part – a one-hour performance by British trip-hop legend Tricky.
For the needs of this impressive event, three multimedia stages were designed that will be linked using state-of-the-art visual technology.Thus, performances will be intertwined and enriched with presentation of film excerpts, graphics and lighting effects.“The event will be a musical and multimedia whole, there will be no introductions or interludes,” explained Krzysztof Materna.Concerts will be illustrated inter alia by impressions on the oeuvre of the Polish Film School, profiles of outstanding artists and works essential to Polish culture of the 19th and 20th centuries.The most important moments in contemporary Polish history which were conducive to Poland’s membership in the European Union will be presented.“We want to present the happiest moments, no pathos or martyrology. Most of all, we want to emphasise the reasons behind the concert,” concluded Krzysztof Materna.
The “WARSAW TAKLING ” show will be broadcast by TVP1 and the Polish Radio.
Executive producer: MM Communications