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 International Polonaise Ball 2010
A Tribute to Fryderyk Chopin |
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| THE 38TH INTERNATIONAL POLONAISE BALL COMMEMORATES THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHOPIN'S BIRTH |
| The International Polonaise Ball was once again South Florida's premier Royal Ball. With an unparalleled nostalgia for Romanticism, the Polonaise Ball is the only gala that embodies the true glamour and elegance of 19th century European nobility. Following a cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a memorable evening, including a five-star dinner, traditional dancing and a special performance from a child prodigy honoring legendary composer Fryderyk Chopin. |
| It was 200 years ago, on March 1, 1810, that Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin was born in Zelazowa Wola, not far from Warsaw, the capital of Poland. At the time, no one could predict the future of this little boy, but today the world knows on that day a musical genius was born. Chopin began piano lessons at age 6 and by age 7 composed a Polonaise in B flat. At age 12, his teacher recognized that Chopin’s skills had grown to exceed his own. These were the beginnings of a talent that has garnered admiration from historians, musicians and music aficionados on each continent. |
| The American Institute of Polish Culture organized its 38th International Polonaise Ball to pay tribute to this virtuoso pianist and world acclaimed composer. The Ball was held on January 30, 2010 at the Surf Club on Miami Beach, Florida. |
| Chairpersons of the Ball, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper greeted and welcomed over 300 guests including distinguished personalities such as: President Lech Walesa, His Majesty King Kigeli V of Rwanda, His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, His Royal Highness Dom Miguel Duke of Viseu of the Royal House of Portugal with various members of his Court, Mr. Alex Storozynski, President of the Kosciuszko Foundation and Mrs. Victoria London, Honorary Consul of Romania—to mention only a few. |
| During the official part of the gala, Lady Blanka presented an award of Special Recognition to Dr. Bronislaw Orawiec from Chicago for his contributions in the field of cardiology and his extensive charity work for Polonia. Later on the Gold Medals – the highest distinction of the American Institute of Polish Culture – were awarded to Mr. Augustin Anievas, Dr. William Langebartel and Commissioner Natacha Seijas for their promotion of Chopin’s music. |
| Amicus Polonaie Distinctions, awarded by the Ambassador of Poland, were received by Mr. Philip Caswell 3rd, Mrs. Isabel Liebowitz and Mrs. Olga Melin, all of whom support the Chopin Foundation of the US and promote the musical development young American pianists. |
| At the Ball, President Lech Walesa premiered his Media Award. The honor was bestowed upon Dr. Horacio Aguirre, Founder and Editor of “Diarios Las Americas,” and Mr. Anders Gyllenhaal, the Executive Editor of the “Miami Herald,” because both newspapers have published articles on Polish history, culture and business for over 4 decades. |
| Prince Dom Miguel Duke of Viseu made a special presentation, and invested President Walesa with the Grand Cross of the Royal and Holy Order of St. Michael of the Wing and Lady Blanka Rosenstiel with the Royal Order of Saint Nuno. |
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The American Institute of Polish Culture’s 38th International Polonaise Ball was a true tribute to Chopin celebrating and honoring those who keep his music alive in the hearts and minds of listeners around the world.
By Mirann Guazzini and Beata Paszyc
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Click here to view all 2010 Polonaise Ball Pictures |
