Piano Concert by Marek Drewnowski & Michał Drewnowski

Piano Concert by Marek Drewnowski & Michał Drewnowski Tribute to Leonard Bernstein The 2026 Austin Polish Film Festival will conclude with a unique concert celebrating the artistic legacy of Leonard Bernstein and one of the most remarkable stories in the history of Polish-American musical collaboration. The evening is inspired by the extraordinary relationship between legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and internationally acclaimed Polish pianist Marek Drewnowski. After hearing Drewnowski's recording of Domenico Scarlatti's sonatas, Bernstein invited the young pianist to perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. Their collaboration continued with another historic performance conducted by Bernstein during the internationally televised concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. Nearly four decades later, Marek Drewnowski returns to these unforgettable experiences in a concert that combines music, history, and personal memories. The program will present two generations of distinguished Polish pianists. Marek Drewnowski will perform works by Frédéric Chopin, while his son, Michał Drewnowski - an internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Professor at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University Michal Drewnowski - will perform music by outstanding Polish composers whose careers were closely connected with the United States, including Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Alexandre Tansman, and Józef Hofmann. Michał will also guide the audience through a conversation with his father, sharing the remarkable story of Marek's artistic collaboration and personal friendship with Leonard Bernstein. The evening will conclude with both pianists performing celebrated works by Leonard Bernstein for four hands, creating a musical tribute to one of America's greatest artists. More than a concert, In Tribute to Leonard Bernstein is a journey through music, memory, and history - a celebration of artistic excellence and the enduring cultural dialogue between Poland and the United States.