Poland in Venezuela

As part of the celebrations of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Caracas became the stage for a remarkable cultural event: two high-level concerts featuring the talented Polish pianist Piotr Pawlak. The concerts, organized as part of Europe Month, were a tribute to the Polish musical tradition and an expression of support for cultural exchange between Poland and Venezuela.

The first concert took place on May 31 at the Humboldt Cultural Association, featuring the Violeta Lárez Symphony Orchestra conducted by Venezuelan maestro Gerardo López. The audience had the opportunity to listen to the majestic Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 by Frédéric Chopin — one of the most important works of Romanticism — performed masterfully by Piotr Pawlak. During the event, the chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland, Daniel Gromann, spoke, emphasizing the importance of promoting Polish musical heritage and strengthening ties between young musicians from Poland and Venezuela. Also speaking were the President of the Humboldt Cultural Association, Walter Arno Erdmann, and the orchestra’s artistic director, Kevin Rodríguez.

The second recital, held on June 1 at the prestigious Villa Planchart, had a more intimate character. The program included works by Juliusz Zarębski, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, and Chopin once again. An additional surprise was the Venezuelan part of the repertoire: an interpretation of Teresa Carreño’s Waltz Gayo and a moving version of the Fugue from Aldemaro Romero’s pajarillo, arranged for string quartet accompanied by the orchestra ensemble.

The musical celebrations concluded on June 2 with a series of piano masterclasses led by Piotr Pawlak at the Violeta Lárez Academy of Arts. Seven students participated, demonstrating exceptional talent and commitment.

This ambitious undertaking was made possible thanks to the collaboration of several institutions: the Violeta Lárez Symphony Orchestra, composed mainly of young Venezuelan musicians; the Violeta Lárez Academy of Arts; the Humboldt Cultural Association; and the prestigious Villa Planchart.

This initiative not only brought closer the rich musical heritage of Poland but also once again confirmed that music remains a universal bridge connecting cultures, generations, and nations.