Santa Monica Public Library is proud to present Through Music to Freedom: Paderewski and World Politics on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Marek Zebrowski discusses Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) who is remembered as a virtuoso pianist, composer, philanthropist and humanitarian. This presentation brings to light his role in regaining Poland's independence after World War I. The talk addresses Paderewski's political activities between 1910 and 1922, his "Front Morges" in Switzerland in the 1930s, and the last year of Paderewski’s life, when he became a World War II refugee in America. Rare photographs from the Paderewski Paso Robles Collection, which are held at USC’s Polish Music Center, illustrate the talk. A Q&A and performance of selected solo piano works by Paderewski follow the presentation.
Marek Zebrowski has lectured for the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Harvard University, and The New England Conservatory of Music, and has been a contributing writer for the Boston Book Review. He has given master classes and coached various chamber music ensembles and chamber orchestras. His academic career included teaching at the University of Massachusetts, the MIT, and UCLA. Currently, Mr. Zebrowski serves as Program Director for the Polish Music Center at USC’s Thornton School of Music and is Artistic Director of the Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles, California.
This program is free and all ages are welcome. Space is limited and on a first-arrival basis. This event is part of the 50+ program series. For more information, visit smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair-accessible. For disability-related accommodations, call Library Administration (310) 458-8606 one week prior to the event. The Main Library is directly served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, R10 and 18. The Expo Line and other bus routes stop nearby. Ride your bike. Bicycle parking racks are available at the library.
Submitted by Judith S. Graham, Public Services Librarian
