Classical Music in Poland and the Europe of Chopin - From the Reviewer's Notebook

Sydney Symphony Orchestra David Robertson conductor Renaud Capuçon -violin The Warsaw Filharmonia was absolutely packed for this concert. Hardly a spare seat in the entire auditorium and a buzz of anticipation enlivened the atmosphere. A rare sight.  With temperatures at -5C during the day accompanied by jet lag it must have required great stamina and energy to perform. A painting of Ignacy Jan Paderewski by Edward Dwurnik (2018) Private Collection Paderewski was extremely popular in Australia on his tours in the 1920s and loved the enthusiasm of Australian audiences. This was also partly because of his friendship in Europe with the famous soprano Dame Nellie Melba. Paderewski and his wife often dined with her in Paris and Monte-Carlo. The Brisbane Courier described a Paderewski concert at His Majesty's Theatre in April 1927                Paderewski, the world famous pianist, was accorded a royal reception on Saturday night when he gave the first