The grand finale concert of the Inauguration of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council on 1st July fills the Main Stage constructed in Warsaw's 'Parade Square'. The main event centres around the musical performance WARSAW TALKING, based on the screenplay by Krzysztof Materna and Kuba Wojewódzki
The programme of the multimedia show comprises the most popular classical and pop pieces performed by Polish and foreign artists, screenings of original films and a spectacular fireworks show around the Palace of Culture on the city's Plac Defilad.
The project poses a major musical challenge: can Polish pop hits be performed together with Chopin’s mazurkas, jazz pieces by Krzysztof Komeda and works by Wojciech Kilar? What would popular tunes sound like as foreign renditions?
According to co-producer Krzysztof Materna, this endeavour is akin to blending fire and water. “This is why we have prepared a programme that would be appreciated by classical music enthusiasts and millions of Poles alike. It will cater to the tastes of several generations", he says.
The project, organised on the occasion of Poland’s Presidency of the EU Council, is an innovative approach to presentation of Polish culture. It presents 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 wraps with a party and a fireworks show.
The 3 1/2 hour concert kicks off with anthems of Poland and the European Union. The first part covers classical, film and jazz music hits. Works by Frederic Chopin, Andrzej Kurylewicz, Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, Krzysztof Komeda and Wojciech Kilar are to 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 half, aimed to remind audiences of milestones of Polish pop music, bands like Perfekt, Myslovitz, Lech Janerka and Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa perform. 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, Wojciech Kilar “Orawa” provides the musical background. The evening ends with a one-hour performance by British trip-hop legend Tricky.
The event will be a musical and multimedia whole, there will be no introductions or interludes. We want to present the happiest moments, no pathos or martyrology. Most of all, we want to emphasise the reasons behind the concert
-Krzysztof Materna
For the needs of this impressive event, three multimedia stages have been designed using state-of-the-art visual technology. Performances are to be linked and enriched with presentation of film excerpts, graphics and lighting effects.
Concerts are accompanied by impressions of films directed by renowned directors 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 are also a focus of these presentations.
WARSAW TALKING will be broadcast live by TVP1 and the Polish Radio.
Executive producer: MM Communications
Source: National Audiovisual Institute