A Little Night Music

University Days

Last week, the Poznań University of Economics marked its "University Days," a celebration of its history and achievements.  I was privileged to receive invitations to a number of related events including panel discussions (in Polish, of course) and the screening of the film Zelazna Dama (or Iron Lady).  The weather continued to be somewhat disagreeable for most events, but I still very much enjoyed them.  Zelazna Dama was presented in its original English with Polish subtitles.  The event was held in a movie house just a few blocks from the university and was heavily attended -- all seats were filled.  The film was not what I expected but was certainly a great experience.  Although the significant political events of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's career were presented, they were not, in my view, the central theme of the picture.  Rather, the film was a moving love story about the relationship between Thatcher and her husband, Dennis.  I lived in Germany during the Falklands War and in England during several years of her leadership.  I was later serving at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., when PM Thatcher visited that city.  Further, I was assigned to NATO in Belgium during the end of the Cold War and the last months of her time as prime minister.  Because of our unintended linkages with the "Zelazna Dama," my wife and I chose to recognize that connection by naming our dachshund "Maggie" when we acquired her as a puppy in Belgium in 1990.  "Maggie" proved to be a zelazna dama as well, living to be 17 1/2 years old after living in Belgium, Hawaii, Ohio and North Carolina.  Interesting that PM Thatcher continues to make appearances in our lives.

The Concert

For me, the highlight of University Days was the Thursday evening concert in the beautiful performance hall of the university's Academy of Music.  The first hour of the 2-hour event was actually a recognition ceremony for faculty members of the university.  This was a formal and impressive segment during which faculty members who had achieved significant accomplishments were called to the stage (in several categories) to be acknolwedged.  Their names were prominently displayed on the large backdrop screen and announced by the master of ceremonies.  Then, each recipient had a medal pinned in military style, and each proudly wore the medal during the remainder of the evening. 



Faculty members receiving their medals.

 The performance hall is a round, glass building of very contemporary design.  The interior is equally impressive and superbly functional.  Audience members enter from a spacious plaza into a large lobby where coats, boots, hats, etc. can be checked (remember -- the weather was somwhat unpleasant).  Then they climb stylized stairs to the entrances to the performance hall itself.


Stairs from the entrance lobby to the performance hall.

















The 1-hour concert following the recognition ceremony was an eclectic mix of fine performances.  I presume all vocal and instrumental performers were associated with the Academy of Music, either as students or instructors.  It began with a 4-piece rock band that reminded me very much of the early "Stones" -- circa 1966.  Three guitars (the standard arrangement -- lead, rhythm and bass) and a drummer played three pieces, and the audience, in coats, ties and gowns, listened and applauded appreciatively.  For U.S. readers, it put me in mind of an Ed Sullivan show from that era.  The band really was quite good.

The rock band was followed by a 20-piece mostly brass ensemble.  There were French horns, trombones, trumpets, euphoniums, a tuba, two clarinets and two percussionists.  This group played what I would describe as traditional Polish polkas, but in a style I have not heard before.  Coming from the heavily Polish south side of Milwaukee, I've heard many polka bands, but the pieces are generally played heavily and meant for foot stomping, hand clapping and imprecise dancing.  The pieces this group played were performed crisply, lightly and cleanly.  They took on the character of fine symphonic music.  Two singers (by my estimation classically trained, a mezzo and a baritone) sang several of six or seven numbers along with the ensemble.  All musicians in this group were formally attired.  I have never heard polkas performed in this manner, and it was pure delight.  Perhaps as a former French hornist and member of numerous bands and orchestras over the years I'm biased toward this style of music.  Nevertheless, I sincerely hope I will have many more opportunities to enjoy this group in the months ahead.



The brass (plus clarinets) ensemble with two vocalists.

The third element of the performance was a wonderful soprano who sang several operatic pieces as well as "I Could Have Danced All Night" from the musical My Fair Lady.  That last piece figures heavily in the film Zelazna Dama, so it tied in other University Days events nicely.  It was certainly a new experience for me to have such a variety of musical styles combined in a single concert, but I and the rest of the audience were delighted with every aspect of the program.  In keeping with the formality and ceremonial flavor of the evening, abundant flowers were presented to performers to conclude the evening.  Another great experience in Poznań!



Flowers are given to the evening's performers.  I never did learn the
significance of the fake bird in the cage near the edge of the stage.


















Next time -- a report on my day trip by train to Warsaw for a meeting at the offices of the Fulbright Commission.