Frédéric Chopin
This month the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frédéric (Fryderyk) Chopin, one of the greatest piano composers ever. Chopin was born near Warsaw on February 22nd (some sources say March 1st), 1810.
He revealed his musical talent early, and he composed his first Polonaises at the age of seven. Next year, he started making public appearances, always receiving enthusiastic reviews.
When the November Rising broke out in 1830, Chopin was in Vienna. He was unable to return, and joined thousands of his peers going into exile. He settled in Paris, never to see his beloved country again.
Poor health led to his premature death in 1849. Two days before passing away, he asked that his heart would be returned to Poland.
Chopin was a virtuoso performer and an innovative composer who changed the way music for the piano was composed and played by giving it a renewed prominent role as a solo instrument. His compositions are often based on Polish themes such as ballroom Polonaise, but also echo folk tunes such as Mazurek, or Krakowiak.
Upcoming Club Events
- This year The Fat Thursday (T³usty Czwartek) falls on February 11th. Volunteers are asked to help making traditional P±czki (cream and jelly filled Polish Donuts) on Friday, February 12th between 1:30pm and 5:00pm. P±czki will be available for sale after 5:00pm.
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Valentine's Dinner will be on February 14th, at 4:45pm. The appetizers will start to be served at 3:30pm. The entrée will consist of chicken baked in barbeque sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans sprinkled with almonds, French bread and butter, and a tossed green salad with cranberries and cheese. The dessert will be prune cake and vanilla ice cream.
- On Saturday, February 20th, at 10:00am there will be an Adult Polish Class in the Club Library.
Club Pictures
To view some pictures from the recent Club events: Caroling, Wigilia Dinner, or Children's Christmas Party, please click the image below.
