Karuzela Chorus—Polish Christmas Carol Concert Saturday, January 5, 2013, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pittsburgh, Polish Hill The annual Karuzela Chorus Concert, under the direction of Dr. Neil Stahurski with featured instrumentalists Wendy Blotzer (keyboard), Debbie Frauenholz (violin) and Radoslaw Fizek (violin), performed both traditional and contemporary Polish Christmas Carlos, such as "Zima Zima" made popular by the Polish group "Czerwone Gitary", and "Nie bylo miejsca dla Ciebie". Bishop David A. Zubik celebrated the Mass and stayed to watch the concert. The concert is free to the public. 20th Anniversary Bal Polonaise–Debutantes Once Again! Friday, November 23, 2012, The Circuit Center & Ballroom, Pittsburgh MACIEJ GRZYBOWSKI Concert Sunday, October 28, 5:00 pm, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium,Oakland
Maciej Grzybowski, pianist extraordinaire from Poland, performed music of Chopin and other famous composers
The 81st Annual Polish Day at Kennywood Park Tuesday, August 7, 2012 PCC Majowka - Picnic 2012 Sunday, June 24th, 2012 Boyce Park / Silver Beaver, shelter and ball field for an afternoon of fun, games and fellowship. Volleyball, Basketball and Baseball fields.
Saturday, May 5th at 7:30 pm
Winchester Thurston Upper School, Hilda Willis Auditorium 555 Morewood Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa 15232
The Polish Theater of Toronto presented a new play about the famous Polish singer, Hanka Ordonowna. Hanka was one of the most celebrated and loved European cabaret artists of the interwar period.
Ordonowna started her career at the Lublin Theater before moving to Warsaw’s Qui Pro Quo Cabaret, where she performed under the direction of Frideric Jarosy. Her song “Love Will Forgive You Everything” has become her signature song and was known and recorded world-wide. After the outbreak of World War II she was deported to a camp in Uzbekistan, where she started a group to organize support for orphaned children. A few years later she was evacuated, along with the orphanage, to Bombay India and then to Beirut, Lebanon. Not long after that, she passed away from complications related to tuberculosis.
Ordonowna’s fascinating and dramatic life inspired Kazimierz Braun to write his new play about the celebrity singer who sacrificed her colorful life to serve her nation.
Film by Jerzy Porebski
Screening and meeting with director March 27, 2012, 7:30 pm Pittsburgh Filmmakers A documentary film about the legendary Polish mountain climber Jerzy Kukuczka. He ascended all fourteen 8,000 m peaks in eight years, the shorter time then any climber before, and established ten new routes. Kukuczka was one of an elite group of mountaineers, who specialized in winter ascents.
The 2012 Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival: Faces of Others, featured three exciting Polish films, as part of "Through Polish Eyes": Suicide Room (Poland, 2011) Friday, March 23, 7:30pm at McConomy Auditorium, CMU’s University Center Battle of Warsaw1920 (Poland, 2011), 3D, Sunday, March 25, 3:00pm at AMC Loews Waterfront 22 Essential Killing (Poland/Hungary/Ireland/Norway, 2010) Saturday, April 14 7:00pm at McConomy Auditorium, CMU’s University Center
Polish Kinderball
February 25, 2012
West End Pulaski Club
OSTATKI—Mardi Gras Pittsburgh 2012 Photo Gallery Live entertainment, dancing, the best of the Polish culinary table and Polish vodka tasting! Music by the Ortner-Roberts Trio with Tom Elrick on drums.
The Polish Cultural Council’s annual Bal Polonaise is an evening full of enchantment with dining, dancing and dignitaries filling the Ballroom at the Embassy Suites. For more than 15 years the Bal Polonaise has been the premier social event in the Polish-American community and the primary fundraising activity in support of the Council’s educational and cultural programs. As the highlight of the evening, debutantes are presented to society. At the conclusion of the presentation, honored guests and dignitaries lead the entire assemblage in the historic and stately Grand Polonaise.
Polish Films Presentation, November 5-16, 2011
Polish Cultural Council in cooperation with Polish Film Festival in America, Chicago and partnership with the Three Rivers Film Festival presented five remarkable contemporary films:
THE SWING, 2010, Directed by Tomasz Lewkowicz THE WINNER, 2011, Directed by Wieslaw Saniewski BLACK THURSDAY, 2011, Directed by Antoni Krauz OFFICER'S WIFE, 2010, Directed by Piotr Uzarowicz JOANNA, 2010, Directed by Feliks Falk FALL OF THE EMPIRE Screening of the documentary film by director Andrzej Titkow
Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 7:00 pm Room G13 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh
The film presents the events leading to the democratic transformations of Central Europe and the fall of the Soviet Union. Following the film; meeting with Dr. Casimir Kowalski, professor of management at South Carolina State University and the senior co-editor of the recently released book "Heroes of Solidarity". A light reception followed the event.
The 80th Annual Polish Day at Kennywood Park Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The 80th Annual Polish Day has come and gone but not without a day of fun and excitement! The day featured a Polish kitchen with homemade pierogi, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, cucumbers and sour cream, cabbage and noodles, paczki, homemade pickles and other delicacies and Father Miro’s famous potato pancakes cooked to order. The popular Bake Sale was back by demand with many delicious freshly baked homemade goodies to enjoy in the park or take home.
As a tradition for many years now, musicians Dave Dombrowski on his accordion and "Jumpin" John Huchrowski on his violin serenaded the diners from noon till three.
Beginning at 2:45 the afternoon festivities included: • Polish Folk Concert by the Karuzela Chorus under the direction of Dr. Neil Stahurski • Mass celebrated by Reverend Joseph Swierczynski, Pastor Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, featuring the Karuzela Chorus • The Presentation of the Polonian of the Year Award to Joseph Kaminski for his undying dedication to all Polonia – Joe serves as Vice President, Polish Cultural Council; National Director, Polish National Alliance; President, Polish American Congress Western Pennsylvania Division; Director, Kosciuszko Foundation Pittsburgh Chapter and National Director, Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation • The Crowning of Miss Polonia 2011, Sarah Michalik • Dancing entertainment by the Lajkoniki Dancers under the direction of Frank Pociask sponsored by the Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church of McKeesport • Live Broadcast of "Frania’s Polka Celebration"; WEDO 810 Radio • Polka dancing celebrating 55 years of Polka music with the popular Andy Fenus and the Trel Tones Band at the main pavilion located near the Polish Kitchen. The weather was beautiful all the way until the last visitors finished their final rollercoaster rides, leaving the park with another year of celebrating, just like their grandparents did generations ago.
PCC "Majowka-Picnic" — Sunday, June 5th, 2011 Boyce Park / Silver Beaver shelter and ball field for an afternoon of fun, games and fellowship.
See Photo Gallery...
THE OFFICER’S WIFE— film by Piotr Uzarowicz PCC Special Presentation in cooperation with Pittsburgh Filmmakers May 20, 2011, Melwood Screening Room, 477 Melwood Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213 "Meet the Director" reception following the film (complimetary) A Documentary about the collision of truth, justice, and memory in Katyn. Produced by Academy Award winner Jan A.P. Kaczmarek.
Polish Cultural Council Night at Pittsburgh Public Theater "Superior Donuts" by Tracy Letts, Directed by Ted Pappas
May 5th, 2011, O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Arthur Przybyzewski is settled in his life as the owner of Superior Donuts, a coffee shop in a Chicago neighborhood full of eccentric characters. He tells us of the experience of his Polish parents immigrating to the United States. He says his Dad was going to name their donut shop Przybyzewski Paczki, but since the sign maker charged by the letter, they decided on Superior. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts (August: Osage County) puts sweet icing on his career with this brand-new comedy.
IUP Piano Students Competition, Recital and Art Exhibition March 19, 2011, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Program was free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the Polish Cultural Council and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, this event commemoratd the bicentennial of the birth of Frederic Chopin: • IUP Piano Students Competition - First Prize Award for the best young performer founded by PCC • Piano Recital - IUP faculty members and Professor David Allen Wehr of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh • Art Exhibition & Opening Reception - posters celebrating the life and works of Chopin, created by faculty and students from Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University in Krakow, Poland.
The Chopin 2010 exhibition has been previously showcased in Krakow, Toronto, London (Ontario), and New York City. IUP’s show was made possible through the generous support of the Kipp Gallery at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Polish Cultural Council of Pittsburgh, Prof. Stanislaw Hryn, Krakow Frycz Academy, as well as Teresa Sorska-Rybarczyk, Krzysztof Dydo, and Aleksandra Kaniasty.
OSTATKI—Mardi Gras Pittsburgh 2011 Presenting a Vodka Tasting and Polish Culinary Table, live music of the Ortner-Roberts Trio with Tom Elrick on drums, and vodka raffle. Saturday, March 5, 2011, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts The Marshall Building Galleries, 6300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Karuzela Chorus Concert Saturday, January 8, 2011, 5:00 pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pittsburgh, Polish Hill The Karuzela Chorus was proud to present its annual Polish Christmas Carol Concert. The concert, under the direction of Dr. Neil Stahurski, included favorite Polish Koledy and Pastoralki, such as Dzisiaj w Betlejem, W Zlobie Lezy, among others. Vocal soloists were also featured. Accompanists included Debbie Frauenholz on violin, Abigail Tuffiash on flute and Wendy Blotzer on keyboard. The concert was free of charge.
Mazowsze in Pittsburgh
“There is nothing greater than Mazowsze!” —The New York Times Returning to North America in a special 60th Anniversary celebratory tour of live performances, the world-renowned Mazowsze is a thrilling display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty. The incomparable Mazowsze performance troupe whirls, leaps, stamps and glides in a glorious outpouring of sound and motion, rhythm and music that celebrates the cultural legacy of Poland. An ensemble of 90 dancers, musicians and singers are arrayed in a seemingly never-ending series of handmade traditional costumes—more than 1,000 in total, one more dramatic and colorful than the next.
Polish Films Presentation
November 9-18, 2010. Polish Cultural Council was happy to announce its third consecutive year partnership with the Three Rivers Film Festival. Thanks to the Polish Film Festival in America, Chicago, PCC presentede five exceptional contemporary films:
Cudowne Lato / Wonderful Summer (2010) with guest director Ryszard Brylski (present both nights) 11/10 “Meet the Director” reception following the film; View Details Rewers / Reverse (2009); Director: Borys Lankosz; Official Polish submission to the 2010 Oscars, Two Golden Lions Awards, and several individual Awards. Preceded by Animated History of Poland by tomek Baginski; View Details
Rozyczka / Little Rose (2010); Director: Jan Kidawa-Blonski; View Details
Handlarz Cudow / Miracle Seller (2009); Directors: Boleslaw Pawica & Jaroslaw Szoda; Preceded by Animated History of Poland by tomek Baginski; View Details
After Life (2009); With guest director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo; 11/18 “Meet the Director” reception following the film; View Details Eighteen Annual Bal Polonaise Dining, Dancing and Debutantes! Saturday, November 6, 2010 Embassy Suites Hotel, Pittsburgh International Airport; read more ...
Ostatki! Winter White Party Friday, February 5, 2010 Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Marshall Building Galleries
Traditional Concert of Polish Christmas Carols by Karuzela Chorus under the direction of Dr. Neal Stahursky Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Polish Hill.
Zygmunt Krauze Concert Wednesday, January 13, 7:00 pm 2010 Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Oakland
The special recital by the internationally renowned pianist and composer, performing music of Chopin and Polish composers. Presented by PCC and co-sponsored by Pitt's Music on the Edge. For information on Zygmunt Krauze, his bio and music, please visit his website.
The Annual Pittsburgh Szopka Exhibition & Reception Sunday, December 13, 2009 William Pitt Student Union 3959 Fifth Avenue University of Pittsburgh, Oakland Campus
The Annual Pittsburgh Szopka Exhibition and Reception hosted by the Cracow Creche Workshop. The Exhibition included works of the 21 area students who had taken the recent Szopka Workshops in Carnegie and Wilmerding, as well as the free public “Mini Szopka” Workshops held at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum November 14 and 15.
A Polish Christmas with the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, under the direction of Warren Davidson Saturday, December 19, 2009, 7:30 pm Upper St. Clair High School Auditorium
Program featured Henry Doktorski, virtuoso accordionist, playing his own arrangements of Polish Christmas “koledy”, along with a performance of the Polish Choir of St. Mary of Czestochowa. In addition – works of Bizet and Anderson, and a Christmas carol Sing-Along!
Polish Christmas Program hosted by Eva Tumiel-Kozak WQED-FM (89.3) & WQEJ-FM Johnstown Thursday, December 24, 2009, 9:00 pm One hour special describes Polish Christmas traditions, and features Polish choirs ensembles, soloists, and favorite “koledy”.
Frania’s Christmas Koledy Program WEDO Radio 810 AM Friday, December 25, 2009, 12 Noon - 1:00 pm
Bal Polonaise Saturday, November 14, 2009, Westin Hotel, Convention Center
Christmas arrived early as the 2009 Bal Polonaise celebrated “A Polish Christmas” as the theme. The Seventeenth Annual Bal Polonaise and Presentation of Debutantes was held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Westin Hotel, Convention Center, Pittsbrugh, downtown. The event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies, KDKA’s Jeff Verszyla. The theme, Christmas in Poland, centered around traditions and family gatherings. Guests shared in these rich traditions, enjoying Polish Koledy during the cocktail hour, the Presentation of Debutantes and Grande Polonaise, sharing Oplatek before a sit-down dinner, dancing to Canada’s favorite John Gora and the Gorale, and a visit from St. Nicholas.
79th Annual Polish Day in Kennywood Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Bishop David Zubik, who liked the last year's event, returned and concelebraed the Holy Mass.
Program:
- Polish Kitchen opened at Noon. - Strolling musicians, Dave Dombrowski, accordion and "Jumpin' John" Huchrowski, violin. - Pogram honoring Polonian of the Year, Ted Michalik was chosen for his total committment to all of Polonia for many years. - Crowning of Miss Polonia - Roman Catholic Mass with Bishop David Zubik, accompanied by the Karuzela Chorus - Entertainment by Piast from Cleveland Ohio. - Dancing to the lively rhythms of Henny and the Versa J's (free admission).
Orders of Merit Five members of our organization had the privilege to be recognized by the President of the Republic of Poland, Lech Kaczynski and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their distinguished service to Poland.
All five have received Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in the special Ceremony at the One Oxford Center, gathering two Consuls and Ministers from the Consulate General of Poland in New York, Honorary Consuls of the several countries, representatives of the Allegheny County Government and the Senator’s office, many of the PCC donors and friends. The Orders were bestowed here in Pittsburgh by the Consul General in New York, Honorable Krzysztof Kasprzyk. Orders are granted to foreigners or Poles residing abroad.
Our congratulations to the recipients: Dr. Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz, Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit Eva Tumiel-Kozak, Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit Rick Pierchalski, Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit Colonel Merle Addams - Gold Cross of Merit Malgorzata Matyjaszewska - Gold Cross of Merit
Polish Films in Pittsburgh Polish Cultural Council partnered again with the Three Rivers Film
Dates in October 2009 and presented the following films:
- Case Unknown // Enen, 2009, directed by Feliks Falk - Little Moscow // Mala Moskwa, directed by Waldemar Krzystek, Golden Lions Award, Gdynia Festival, 2008, Meet the Director reception followed the show, - How Much Does The Trojan Horse Weigh? // Ile Wazy Kon Trojanski? directed by Juliusz Machulski
- General Nil // General Nil, directed by Ryszard Bugajski - Scratch // Rysa, directed by Michal Rosa, Special Award, Gdynia Festival, 2008
Warsaw Village Band in Pittsburgh ….. 2009, 7:30 pm, The Synod Hall
Two time winners of "Best Folk Album" in the Polish Grammies (named the "Fryderyk" after Frederic Chopin), they've received world-wide acclaim, taping a documentary with the BBC in 2006, and touring from Algiers and Tel Aviv to Tokyo and Taipei. Although the Warsaw Village Band interprets mostly traditional Polish folk lyrics, they heighten the drones and percussive sounds to emphasize the pulse akin to pop/techno. The result is a mesmerizing mixture of driving rhythms and haunting melodies. The tour of the Warsaw Village Band is co-presented by the Polish Cultural Institute in New York and the Mondo Mundo Agency, LLC in California. The tour is also supported by Stoleczna Estrada - cultural institution of the Capital City of Warsaw.
Polish Day at Kennywood Park Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Our own Bishop of Pittsburgh, the Most Reverend David Zubik was honored as The Polonian of the Year!
Performances by Krakowiaki, a Polish Dance Group from Youngstown Ohio and music by "The Polka Family" Band!!!
Adam Zagajewski in Pittsburgh
April 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland.
The evening with the famous Polish poet presented by Poetry Forum.
Special concert of exceptional young artists Sunday, March 15, 2009, 7:00 PM Trimont Plaza, Mt. Washington
The Polish Cultural Council and The Honorary Consulate of Poland in Pittsburgh hosted local Polonia to a special concert of exceptional young artists: Ania Filochowska, violin Piotr Filochowski, violin Alex Edelman, piano Music by Wieniawski, Karlowicz, Mozart, Paganini & others.
Ostatki! Winter White Party
Saturday, February 13, 2010, 7:30 - 11:00 pm
Polish Cultural Council held its annual Ostatki - Winter White Party presenting a Vodka Tasting, Polish Culinary Table, offering lively music, wonderful food and the vodkas of Poland.