The exhibition tells a story of Ignacy Jan Paderweski’s life as well as his achievements as an artist, a statesman, and a politician. Paderewski, together with his wife Helena Paderewska, capitalized on his fame in order to promote the restoration of Polish independence.  The 22 exhibition boards combine photographs, graphics, and other archival materials with the vivid description of Paderewski’s life from the younger days and the beginning of his career, to the conquest of international concert halls and his diplomatic and political activity. There are also many anecdotes from the artist’s life, his statements, and his most important achievements. It is a tremendous opportunity to become acquainted with all the facets to the personality of this distinguished Pole.

Paderewski excelled both as a pianist and as a composer. Published in millions of copies, his Minuet, kept in the style of Mozart, was one of the greatest classical tunes of the late 19th century. Among his other most important pieces are Concerto in A minor Op. 17 for piano and orchestra, Douze Mélodies sur des Poésies de Catulle Mendès to poetry of C.Mendès Op. 22, and Symphony in B minor Op. 24.

In an amusing turn of events, when Metropolitan Opera staged his opera Manru in 1902, he was his own rival as at that time he was giving a recital to the full house of Carnegie Hall.

Paderewski, an acclaimed and recognized artist, became also involved in political activity. He knew how to make good use of his charisma, fame, and wealth in favour of the Polish question. He made friends among elites in no time at all. He brought down the house not only with his performance, but also with his extraordinary oratory skills. It is largely thanks to his efforts that the Polish country, which disappeared from world maps in 1795 due to the partitions conducted by Austria, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Russian Empire, could be reborn in 1918. Ignacy Jan Paderewski became the prime minister of the restored Poland on 16 January 1919. He was one of the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles.

He was the citizen of the world. His concert life as a crowd-pleasing pianist was very intense. Although he constantly toured, he was always happy to return to his beautiful mansion in Riond-Bosson at Lake Geneva in Switzerland. He owned a ranch in Paso Robles in California as well. He supported young artists and got involved in charities, donating large sums to artistic, educational, social, and national causes. Although he stepped down as prime minister at the end of 1919, he was still engaging in Polish matters as a moral authority and a philanthropist. After WW2 broke out, despite his poor health, he launched yet another campaign to save his country.

The exhibition is open in Ronald Reagan Square from 4 July to 4 August 2018.