The pride of Poland and a symbol of its struggle for independence, Frederic Chopin composed piano works which cannot be mistaken for those of any other.
In most major cities around the world, you can find concerts celebrating the artist who helped link the classical and modern periods. March 1 marked the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Throughout the year, Kings Place in London is presenting the composer’s entire body of works in a series of 12 concerts under Director Martino Tirimo. The second phase of this three-part series, “Chopin Unwrapped,” will play until March 14.
In most major cities around the world, you can find concerts celebrating the artist who helped link the classical and modern periods. March 1 marked the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Throughout the year, Kings Place in London is presenting the composer’s entire body of works in a series of 12 concerts under Director Martino Tirimo. The second phase of this three-part series, “Chopin Unwrapped,” will play until March 14.
Also, through March 14, Paris is holding an exhibit and some 15 piano recitals, called “Chopin l'europeen,” organized by Cite de la musique and the Warsaw Chopin Institute.
Washington, D.C. is celebrating in a different way. The Ambassador Theater will present the D.C. premiere of “Summer at Nohant,” a romantic comedy about Chopin and his beloved George Sand. Under the direction of Hanna Bondarewska, the play has Sand bring Chopin and other artists together at her retreat in Nohant.
For those who would like to celebrate closer to home—that is, in your living room, many recordings have anticipated the event as well. “The Romantics” presents Lara Downes on the piano in an exploration of both Chopin and Samuel Barber—it is the 100th anniversary of his birthday this year as well.
Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, who made his mark at the age of 12 by playing Chopin’s piano concertos, has released a 5-CD box set “Kissin Plays Chopin” (RCA Red Seal).
Those who prefer a variety of artists can look to the album Sony Classical released, “Frederic Chopin 200th Anniversary.” It has five CDs, each recorded by master pianists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Lastly, those seeking the full Chopin experience can travel to Warsaw where the Ostrogski Palace opened a museum dedicated to Chopin on March 1.
For those who would like to celebrate closer to home—that is, in your living room, many recordings have anticipated the event as well. “The Romantics” presents Lara Downes on the piano in an exploration of both Chopin and Samuel Barber—it is the 100th anniversary of his birthday this year as well.
Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, who made his mark at the age of 12 by playing Chopin’s piano concertos, has released a 5-CD box set “Kissin Plays Chopin” (RCA Red Seal).
Those who prefer a variety of artists can look to the album Sony Classical released, “Frederic Chopin 200th Anniversary.” It has five CDs, each recorded by master pianists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Lastly, those seeking the full Chopin experience can travel to Warsaw where the Ostrogski Palace opened a museum dedicated to Chopin on March 1.
