Calendar of Cultural Events

Please verify dates and times with The Kosciuszko Foundation Director of Cultural Affairs
Tom Pniewski -- (212) 734-2130 ext. 214

Yoonjung Han, Chopin Competition Laureate, Featured Soloist with Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, May 22 at 3 PM, $25/20 for members
Chamber Music Series

Yoonjung Han, Laureate of the 2005 Chopin Piano Competition is soloist in Chopin's Concerto No. 2 in F minor with the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra on Sunday, May 22 at 3 PM at the Kosciuszko Foundation (15 East 65th Street, between Fifth and Madison). Polish conductor Adrian Mackiewicz leads the concert, which will include Mozart's popular "Eine kleine Nachmusik" and Grieg's "Holberg Suite." Monika Krajewska, mezzo-soprano, and Laurentiu Rotaru, bass, will perform arias and duets from Lehar's "The Merry Widow." Tickets are $30 ($25 for KF members) and include a reception with the artists. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made by calling the Foundation Office at (212) 734-2130.

Yoonjung Han is a 19-year old student at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute, where she studies with Ellen Sokoloff. She was a full scholarship student at the Juilliard Pre-College Division, and has won numerous competitions in the U.S. and her native Korea. The Korean Ministry of Culture recently honored her as the Most Promising Young Artist in a national competition.

Bass-baritone Laurentiu Rotaru is a native of Romania currently residing in Hartford and attending Central Connecticut State University, where he is majoring in music performance.. He has toured USA and Canada and appeared with Connecticut Lyric Opera. He took the Second Prize at The National Association of Teachers of Singing (Connecticut Chapter) Competition.

Monika Krajewska, mezzo soprano, is described as an artist who is capable of giving "…full range to the inherent drama of her voice…" and possessing the "…skills with which to emphasize its luscious, full beauty." She has won numerous prizes, including the Rosa Ponselle Competition, and has appeared with Yale Opera and the Caramoor Festival. Ms. Krajewska made her Carnegie Hall debut in the Mozart Requiem and her European debut as Carlotta in Donizetti's Il Borgomastro di Saardam at Holland's Belcanto Festival. Ms. Krajewska holds the degrees of Master of Music from Yale University and Bachelor of Music from the University of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra is a professional orchestra from the Greater Hartford/New Britain area dedicated to presenting both traditional and contemporary classical chamber works. The orchestra was established in 1997 under the auspices of the Polish American Foundation. Special attention is given to music from Eastern Europe.

Adrian Mackiewicz, violinist and conductor, is founder and artistic director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. A graduate of the Poznan Music Academy, he holds the degree of Master of Music and an Artist Diploma from Yale University, where he studied in the class of Eric Friedman. Currently Mr. Mackiewicz is a faculty member at the Tunxis College, and the Thames Valley Music School at Connecticut College.

WQXR-FM Broadcast Sunday, May 29.

All events take place at the Foundation House, unless otherwise noted. Programs subject to change. Click here for directions.

Kosciuszko Foundation programs are supported by the Mary F. Koons Charitable Trust, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the Tadeusz Solowij Literary Fund, and the KF Cultural Fund.

Han Yoonjung, winner of The Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition 2005

click on the picture to enlarge it