Fantasy on Poland – The Polish National Dances

The title of this production refers to Frederic Chopin’s Fantasy on Polish Airs in A major, Op. 13, which he composed at the age of eighteen. The protagonists of Mazowsze’s theatrical “fantasy” are schoolchildren studying the Polish national dances under the eye of their teacher -  a remarkable violin virtuoso. The audience learns about the five national dances (the oberek, mazurek, kujawiak, polonaise and krakowiak) but also encounters the works of a number of composers, for whom Polish traditional music served as a creative inspiration. Including compositions by Ogiński, Chopin and Wieniawski, this production transports us to the time of Chopin’s childhood. We dance the kujawiak with Jan Kiepura, visit the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Święta Lipka and are led into the magical world of music and dance by little Janek and his mother. Audiences will be delighted by the Polish national dances, performed by the Mazowsze Ensemble ballet group and orchestra.

The Ogiński polonaise, Pozegnanie Ojczyzny, is played on the organ in the Basilica of Święta Lipka by Adam Kowalski.