Celebrating Polish Classical Music with Acte Préalable Podcast

About Celebrating Polish Classical Music with Acte Préalable Podcast

Join Acte Préalable’s podcast for a journey into Polish music, featuring first recordings by Poland’s finest artists. Explore the lives and works of extraordinary composers, from timeless classics to hidden gems. With expert insights and captivating performances, each episode celebrates Poland’s rich musical heritage. Perfect for classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike, our podcast connects you to the artistry, passion, and cultural depth of Polish music. Tune in and let every note inspire you.

Publisher

Cezary Lerski and Diginet Digital Distribution Network

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Feb 2025

Latest episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Mar 2026

   Fryderyk Chopin: Complete Works by Joanna Ławrynowicz

   The Acte Préalable edition of "Chopin: Complete Works" is a monumental 17‑album series documenting every note Frédéric Chopin ever composed , performed by a single artist—an achievement unprecedented in Poland and rare in the world. It is the culmination of a lifelong relationship between Jan A. Jarnicki —producer of the series and founder of the Acte Préalable label—and the music of Frédéric Chopin. This connection reaches back not only to Jarnicki’s earliest memories, but deep into his family history. Chopin’s music accompanied him from childhood, beginning with the 1965 International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, and later intertwined with family heritage when he learned that his great‑great‑grandfather, painter Antoni Kolberg, created the composer’s final portrait in Paris in 1848. For Jarnicki, Chopin has always been more than a national icon; he has been a constant presence.Jarnicki founded Acte Préalable with the mission of reviving forgotten Polish music. Over time, however, new encounters and evolving ambitions led him to expand that vision. In February 2005, during a quiet winter visit with his friend Arkadiusz Jędrasik, an idea emerged—audacious in scale and unprecedented in Poland: to record the complete works of Frédéric Chopin with a single Polish artist in time for the composer’s bicentenary.There was only one pianist Jarnicki believed capable of undertaking such a monumental task: the exceptional Joanna Ławrynowicz, already a trusted artistic partner of the label. When he presented the proposal—delivered with the solemnity of a grave announcement—her initial shock quickly gave way to enthusiasm. She accepted immediately, and the project officially began in April 2005.The journey was long and not without obstacles. Despite early momentum, unreliable collaborators made it impossible to meet the 2010 anniversary deadline. By spring of that year, nearly all works had been recorded except the songs and concertos. The orchestral works were completed in 2011, and the songs—the final missing element—were recorded in October 2019.Throughout the entire undertaking, Jarnicki personally produced and financed every recording . Although he sought support from both private and public institutions—including the Ministry of Culture and the National Frédéric Chopin Institute—his requests went unanswered. Undeterred, he continued independently, ultimately choosing March 1st, 2020, Chopin’s birthday, as the symbolic release date for the complete edition.This monumental project owes much to the generosity and dedication of many individuals. Special thanks are extended to Antoni Grudziński for granting permission to include excerpts from his book Frédéric Chopin: A Guide to His Life and Works in the album booklets. Deep gratitude is owed to Joanna Ławrynowicz, whose artistry, perseverance, and meticulous work made the cycle possible. Appreciation is also extended to Andrzej Gębski, Jarosław Domżał, and Adam Krzeszowiec for their contributions to the chamber recordings.The label further acknowledges the steadfast support of Arkadiusz Jędrasik, whose encouragement has accompanied not only this project but many of Acte Préalable’s recording and publishing initiatives. And finally, heartfelt thanks go to Magdalena Wolińska, whose unwavering support has been essential to the very existence of Acte Préalable.This 17‑album edition stands as a tribute—to Chopin, to Polish musical heritage, to the artists and friends who made it possible, and to Jan A. Jarnicki’s enduring belief that great music deserves to be preserved with devotion, integrity, and love. All music performed by Joanna Ławrynowicz (piano)Artistic director & producer: Jan A. JarnickiArt direction: Małgorzata Łoza-LipszycConsultant: Malcolm Henbury-BallanManagement: Magdalena WolińskaRecording engineers: Grzegorz Stec, Stanisław Bokowy, Piotr Grinholc, and Jacek Złotkowski

2. 

   7 Nov 2025

   Episode 4: Alexandre Tansman: Musical Genius of Two Nations

   This episode explores Alexandre Tansman's life as a Polish-born composer who blended Polish folk melodies, Jewish introspection, and American rhythms into his neoclassical compositions, achieving international acclaim and navigating a life of musical innovation.

3. 

   9 Apr 2025

   Episode 3 - Magdalena Cynk: Toruń, planets, astroids, Francisco Goya, Polish folk music, psychology, and history

   The 3rd part of our "Celebrating Polish Classical Music with Acte Préalable" podcast is devoted to contemporary Polish composer Magdalena Cynk, who brilliantly bridges musical traditions with innovative approaches. She creates compositions that draw inspiration from diverse sources like astronomy, folk music, her hometown Toruń, and historical elements while emphasizing the human element in classical music. During this exclusive interview, she shared her personal journey as a female composer, her musical inspirations and techniques, as well as her perspectives on music and its future.

4. 

   21 Feb 2025

   Episode 2 - Katarzyna Dondalska: Coloratura Soprano Virtuoso's Extraordinary Musical Journey

   This episode explores the remarkable career of Katarzyna Dondalska, one of today's most accomplished coloratura sopranos. From her early beginnings as a violin prodigy at age five to becoming an internationally acclaimed opera star, we trace her development through prestigious training at Germany's State Academy of Music in Würzburg, where she earned the elite 'Meisterklasse' diploma.Discover how Dondalska's exceptional vocal range and technical mastery led to finalist positions in renowned competitions including the ARD International Music Competition and Cardiff Singer of the World Festival. We examine her academic achievements, including her 2011 Doctorate from Gdańsk Music Academy, and her extensive performance history across the world's premier concert venues and opera houses.Join us for an inspiring look at this Polish-born artist's contributions to classical music through her recordings, broadcasts on major networks (ARD, BBC, RAI), and her ability to bring emotional depth to technically demanding repertoire. Dondalska's story represents the pinnacle of artistic dedication and musical excellence.

5. 

   7 Feb 2025

   Episode 1: Wiktor Łabuński: Polish-American composer, pianist, and educator

   Wiktor Łabuński was a Polish-American composer, pianist, and educator, born in 1895, who gained recognition for his contributions to classical music, including his compositions for piano and orchestra, as well as his work as a music professor at the University of Kansas, where he influenced generations of musicians until his death in 1974.

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

32

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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