Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

Pianist shares a powerful performance at the National Philharmonic on the composer’s birthday

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF REPORTER

A day before Polish composer Frédéric Chopin’s 215th birthday, hundreds gathered in the wooded orchestra hall of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore to celebrate and appreciate multiple works of the late composer performed by renowned pianist Brian Ganz. 

On Feb. 28, the National Philharmonic hosted Ganz’s “Extreme Chopin Project” for the 14th annual recital. The project is a major “quest” in Ganz’s career to perform all of Chopin’s works, according to Katie Drozynski, director of marketing at the National Philharmonic. Drozynski shared that the annual event is highly anticipated by patrons. The most recent performance sold  nearly every seat in the house. 

Patrons packed into the narrow seats of the concert hall. The audience varied greatly in age, both old and young, and they crammed together awaiting the performance. Late arrivals quietly flowed in as Jim Kelly, president of the National Philharmonic, prefaced the concert with a reminder of the beauty in the arts. 

While the shared love for music and the arts brought many into the theater, Chopin’s works left a long-lasting impact on history and music culture, drawing in an eager crowd. Key speakers echoed Chopin’s accomplishments with pride.

Following Kelly’s opening statement, the U.S. Embassy of Poland’s Deputy Head of Mission Adam Krzywosądzk highlighted Chopin’s impact on Poland. Referring to Chopin as “one of Poland’s greatest cultural treasures,” Krzywosądzk praised his works as symbols of resilience and courage in addition to being beautifully melodic. 

“Chopin’s works resonated deeply with the Polish people during our struggles for independence,” he said. “His music also served as a social strength throughout subsequent fights for freedom.” 

According to Chopin’s Britannica webpage, the works of Chopin were heavily influenced by the “glories and sufferings” of Poland. “[Chopin] sang of his own land, of his own people and he communicated the spirit of Poland to the rest of the world through the language he spoke so eloquently,” according to The American Institute of Polish Culture Inc.

Krzywosądzk described the various historical moments of Polish resistance but was cut off by a thunderous wave of applause and cheering. 

When Ganz stepped on stage, the audience greeted him with applause and smiles. Beginning with 4 Mazurkas, Op. 68, Ganz played with passion. The pianist switched from soft, flowing notes to swift, powerful strikes, shifting the intensity within each piece. As he paused between compositions, the air was still with anticipation for his next note.

It was as if Ganz was in his own world. Under the beaming stage lights, he hunched over the keys, his hands gently gliding left to right. His emotion with every note was infectious, as a woman on the balcony above continuously wiped her teary eyes throughout the evening. 

Between songs, Ganz pulled away from the piano to breathe and speak with the audience. Ganz discussed the “Extreme Chopin project,” recounted Chopin’s complex history and shared his love for music. “It feels much more like a conversation between artist and audience,” Drozynki said. “I think our patrons really love to feel his passion… It’s just contagious.”

Ganz performed alongside two guest artists, including flutist Julietta Curenton and pianist Alon Goldstein. Each artist beamed with passion, their eyes fixed on their sheet music. The only time they looked away was to exchange happy glances or close their eyes, disappearing to an orchestral-plane surrounded by melodious notes. 

The emotional connection to music was a recurring theme of the night. For some patrons, these feelings were undeniable. Utah-born Caroline Alder Pierson explained that Chopin’s music brings her a sense of nostalgia, as it reminds her of her late father. Her father, a classically trained pianist and Chopin fan, would wake her up to the sounds of Chopin every morning at 6 a.m. “[The performance] brought so much back to me,” she shared, smiling. “Chopin was always my favorite. He played it beautifully.” 

As the concert neared its finale, Ganz reminded the audience of the passion and strength one can find in music and how Chopin’s works reflect that. He referenced current political challenges, acknowledging that times are difficult for many. “I hope that tonight has been comforting and a solace for those of you who may be afraid,” Ganz said, pausing as the audience applauded. “May music continue to be a haven for all of us through challenging times.”

Ganz continued this point in an interview after the concert, sharing that Chopin’s music comes from the heart—something he believes the world needs more of.

“ I think we need more heart and less head in the world right now,” he said. “We need emotion, we need love…these are all things that, for me, abound in Chopin’s music.”