Gala Concert for the 25th Anniversary of the Nowodworski Foundation
The anniversary celebration took place at the charming historic 1925 Bronxville Woman’s Club in Westchester County, NY. It was a unique lesson in Polish history, beautifully presented by renowned, world-class Polish artists, musicians, and composers, along with great Polish figures whose names are already etched in music history and live in the hearts of Poles. The historical atmosphere was enhanced by Jerzy Leśniak, President of the Nowodworski Foundation, who led the event wearing the traditional confederate coat of the Bar Confederation (a Polish noble association defending independence and Catholic faith).
As Leśniak mentioned, the Foundation’s 25 years have focused especially on Polish-American youth, particularly those born in the USA, who sought to connect with the Polish roots of their ancestors and learn about contemporary Polish history. This effort also promotes the Polish diaspora in the U.S. and globally. The historic-patriotic Jubilee, attended by numerous Polish-American organizations and individual creators, is sure to resonate deeply within both the American and Polish communities.
Father Michał Czyżewski, a friend of the Foundation, gave an invocation, and after a shared prayer, Jerzy Leśniak joyfully welcomed distinguished guests and supporters of the Foundation. Among them were Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins from New York, Consul General of Poland Mateusz Sakowicz with his wife Bogna Bernaciak-Sakowicz, and well-known Polish-American TV journalist Rita Cosby (three-time Emmy winner), daughter of Ryszard Kossobudzki, a Warsaw Uprising participant. Rita Cosby proudly promotes Poland and Poles at every Polish event. Mike Spano, the mayor of Yonkers, also shared his Polish heritage and arrived with City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, who bought donuts for all guests to support local Polish businesses. All of these individuals presented certificates of recognition or proclamations to the Foundation.
Tadeusz Antoniak, Commander of the Polish Army Veterans Association in the U.S. (SWAP), along with Dr. Janusz Romański, District Commander of District 10, not only sent written congratulations but also presented the symbolic Bell of Freedom. SWAP has been a vital supporter of the Foundation’s activities, especially in organizing historical trips for Polish-American youth to Poland and Europe under the “Living History Lesson” program.
The event was attended by representatives of most Polish-American organizations from the East Coast, intellectuals, and artists who have long collaborated with and supported the Foundation’s work. A group of youth from New York, Boston, and New Jersey, preparing for another historical journey to Europe in 2025 with the Foundation, also attended.
The organizers also honored Bartłomiej Nowodworski, the Foundation’s patron, marking the 400th anniversary of his death (1552-1625). Nowodworski, a great Polish patriot and philanthropist, funded, among other things, the second-oldest high school in Poland (after Padua) – the Bartłomiej Nowodworski High School in Krakow. This school educated figures like Jan and Marek Sobieski, including King John III Sobieski of Poland. The youth from Boston, led by Sylwia Kleczkowski, a teacher at a local public school, presented the life and achievements of Nowodworski, and an exhibition about him was set up in the foyer, drawing much attention.
Artistic Program – Prepared by Dr. Mariusz Monczak, Artistic Director of the Jubilee. The event featured remarkable surprises, world premieres, and performances by world-renowned artists, with music ranging from medieval to contemporary jazz.
Performers: The Hejnał Choir, conducted by Sabina Nemtusiak, performed two a cappella pieces: “Bogurodzica” (Poland’s oldest religious song, considered the first Polish anthem) and Mikołaj Gomółka’s “Nieście chwałę mocarze” (Psalm 29). The Copernicus Children’s Choir, conducted by Bożena Konkiel, performed “Music for Copernicus” by Jan Krutul.
Jakub Polaczyk, a rising Polish-American composer, presented a new composition to “Bogurodzico,” a fragment of Juliusz Słowacki’s hymn, for children’s choir, violin, and piano. This world premiere was performed by the Copernicus Choir, led by Bożena Konkiel, with Nicholas Kaponyas on piano and Mariusz Monczak on violin. Polaczyk also performed in tribute to Ignacy Paderewski, playing his famous Menuet in G major and his own “Cartka z Chopinem,” a waltz inspired by a recently discovered manuscript by Chopin.
Patrycja Posłuszny, a talented young soprano, performed “I Want Magic” by André Previn. Mariusz Monczak performed “It Ain’t Necessarily So” by Gershwin and “Kaprys Polski” by Grażyna Bacewicz, with accompaniment by Nicholas Kaponyas.
The highlight of the concert was the performance by world-renowned bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and major stages worldwide. He sang two arias: “Kozak” by Stanisław Moniuszko and “Do Doktora Pomidora” by Henryk Czyż. His performance, with its wide tonal range and dynamic vibrato, captivated the audience.
Jubilee Awards were presented to:
- Kinga Leśniak – Co-organizer of the NF, Artistic Director for 25 years, promoter of art workshops, and multimedia coordinator.
- Ewa Natkaniec – Chair of the Foundation’s Board and CFO.
- Alina Gauza – Director of NF and leader of the Children’s Book Club.
- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins – Honored for continuous support in sponsoring and financing the arts in NYS. She declared March 8th as Nowodworski Foundation Day in New York State.
- Rita Cosby – A major global promoter of the NF (TV NY).
- Tomasz Konieczny – Awarded the Nowodworski Foundation King Jan III Sobieski Award for promoting Polish vocal and acting talent worldwide.
Guests also learned that Tomasz Konieczny has been appointed Artistic Director of the Baltic Opera Festival in Sopot, Poland, where the third edition will take place in July 2025.
A special patriotic gesture honored Bartłomiej Nowodworski with the premiere of a new hymn composed by Krzysztof Niegowski, with lyrics by Mariusz Monczak. The hymn, commissioned by the Foundation and Ars Activa Foundation, was sung by the entire hall, making for a truly grand moment.
After the Gala:
Jazz musicians Krzysztof Medyna (saxophone) and Andrzej Winnicki (piano) performed world standards, transitioning the evening from classical music to a festive mood. The Polish Folk Dance Company, led by Andrzej Buczek, performed energetic Krakowiak and Polka dances, inviting everyone to join in a lively Polonaise. DJ Tomasz took over, and the youth danced well into the night.
The celebration continued with desserts and photo opportunities with politicians and famous artists.
Jubilee Congratulations to the Nowodworski Foundation.
– Elżbieta Popławska
Through the Lens of Wojtek Kubik: Celebrating 25 Years of the Nowodworski Foundation
Honoring Tomasz Konieczny with the Medal of King John III Sobieski
The Nowodworski Foundation Concert & Dance
Saturday, March 8, 6:00 PM
*Bronxville Women’s Club
135 Midland Ave.
Bronxville, NY 10708
Host: Rita Cosby
Emmy-Winning TV Host
Best Selling Author
Daughter of Polish Resistance Fighter
Experience an Evening of Tradition, Culture, and Passion!
- Join us for a spectacular night featuring world-renowned bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny, who captivates audiences at the MET Opera.
- Be enchanted by the performances of Ensemble Con Brio de Montreal, Medyna & Winnicki–WM Project and other artists, in the magical setting of the Bronxville Women’s Club.
- After the concert, DJ Tomasz will set the dance floor on fire, ensuring an unforgettable evening!
*The Village of Bronxville, only 15 miles north of midtown Manhattan, is a charming English-style village nestled along the banks of the Bronx River in southern Westchester County in New York. Bronxville’s architectural landscape is a captivating blend of history and artistry, making the village a veritable outdoor museum of various architectural styles. Among these, the predominant Tudor-style homes and buildings are the village’s crowning glory, giving it a distinct identity reminiscent of medieval English villages. The Bronxville Women’s Club is within walking distance from the Metro North train station.