August 16, 3:00 p.m.Stage
Mateusz Krzyżowski. A Chopin's Tenderness and Passion
Why do we love Chopin’s music so much? Perhaps because it is profoundly melodic? Or maybe because of its elusive poetry — shaped by silence, subtle harmonies, and barely perceptible shifts in rhythm? Or is it because the piano, this Polish composer’s beloved instrument, seems to transcend its mechanics and become a living voice — a breath, a sigh, a touch?
All of that is true. But beyond analysis lies the indescribable magic of Chopin’s music. It is aesthetically perfect and remarkably modest, universal yet deeply personal. When each night in Kyiv is filled with the wail of sirens, the drone of Shaheds, explosions, and pounding hearts — Chopin offers a quiet, intimate space to catch one’s breath. His music asks nothing of us — only that we be present, listen, and feel. It reminds us of who we are, reflecting our dignity, confidence, and beauty.
In this concert, works by Frédéric Chopin will be performed by one of his most devoted modern interpreters — Polish pianist Mateusz Krzyżowski. The programme focuses mainly on Chopin’s late works, far ahead of their time and rich in emotional depth — from radiant joy to sublime tragedy.
ProgrammeFrédéric Chopin (1810–1849):Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61
From 24 Preludes, Op. 28: Nos. 13–24
Mazurkas, Op. 56
Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44
Mateusz Krzyżowski is a cultural ambassador of the city of Tychy (Poland). In 2023, he graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, studying under Professor Joanna Ławrynowicz-Just.
His interpretations are known for their natural flow, flexible musical thinking, and remarkable sensitivity to the composer’s intent.
He is a laureate of numerous competitions, including: – First Prize at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski International Piano Competition (2022) – First Prize at the 12th Arthur Rubinstein in memoriam International Piano Competition (2021) – First Prize at the National Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition (2018)
In 2021, he represented Poland in the semi-finals of the 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.Krzyżowski regularly performs in Poland’s most prestigious concert halls — including the National Philharmonic, NOSPR Concert Hall in Katowice, Silesian Philharmonic, Kraków Philharmonic, Łódź Philharmonic, and Świętokrzyska Philharmonic — as well as abroad in the USA, Japan, France, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Ukraine, and the UAE.
He has worked with conductors such as Kai Bumann, Marek Moś, Michał Klauza, Wojciech Rodek, Mirosław Jacek Błaszczyk, Aleksander Humala, Marek Wroniszewski, Jan Miłosz Zarzycki, Jakub Chrenowicz, and Jurek Dybała.
In recent years, he has released three chamber music albums:Peine et Plaisir (Requiem Records),Interwar Retrospections, and Najpiękniejsze pieśni / The Most Beautiful Songs (both on Sarton Records).
Krzyżowski is the recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including Młoda Polska from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Jerzy Semkow Foundation, the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, the National Children’s Fund, and the Tychy – Dobre Miejsce Foundation.In 2024, he was awarded the Magna cum Laude medal as the top graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.
FREE ENTRY TO THE EVENTwith a valid ticket to the grounds of the Saint Sophia of Kyiv museum complex(UAH 400 – full price, UAH 200 – discounted).Combat veterans do not need to purchase an entry ticket.