WARSAW – In the capital of Poland on Feb. 24 and then in Krakow on Feb. 26, the Niccolò Paganini violin will be played in two Italian music concerts, the first of which will take place in the National Opera House. Aldo Amati, Italian ambassador to Poland, described arrival of legendary violin in Warsaw as "a trait d'union for Italian and Polish culture at this time."

 The unique music event was presented on Friday in Szlenkier Palace, the seat of the Italian embassy in Warsaw. Niccolò Paganini, one of the greatest violinists in history, became famous in Europe for his innovative technique of playing violin. His incredible talent and eccentric personality led some people to believe he had done a deal with the Devil. On Thursday and Saturday, the Italian artist's violin will resound in Poland. The precious instrument is now almost 190 years old and usually kept in the Palazzo Tursi museum in Genoa, the city where Niccolò Paganini was born.

 Maestro Vadim Brodski, born in Kiev, will play Paganini’s violin in both concerts in Poland. He started to play the violin when he was seven years old and by the time he turned 11, he had already played as a soloist in the Kiev Philharmonic Orchestra. Brodski has been living in Rome since 1986. 

 The first concert with Paganini’s violin will take place in Poland’s National Opera House, one of the largest theatrical venues in the world, with a seating capacity of over 2000. Barbara Grosso, the councillor for culture of the municipality of Genoa, will also participate in the special event. Warsaw’s National Opera House was designed by Antonio Corazzi in the 19th century. The intention was to create a new venue for opera, ballet and theatre performances. However, the building was almost completely destroyed during the bombing in World War II. The Opera House was renovated and reopened on Nov. 19, 1965.

 The second concert will be held in the Krakow Philharmonic Hall. “The conductor will be maestro Patrick Fournillier, and 250 musicians will perform on stage, who, in addition to Paganini's music, will pay homage to the most famous pieces of Italian opera music, including Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, and Mascagni, with the overture of Gioachino Rossini The Barber of Seville.

ak-ln