Warsaw sites; first concert

Friday, June 5, 2015

First things first.  With most of us caught up with sleep, we began the day with a rehearsal at the hotel.  What a great moment that was, when, well rested, we rehearsed with the excellent quartet that would be traveling with us. (It took only a few bars before we knew they would help us look really good!).  We were then free to spend the afternoon exploring Warsaw. Many spent the time in the Old Town section checking out the historic sites that are largely restored after Warsaw' s destruction in World War II. The end of communism several decades ago has also brought the city a vitality that was missing under decades of communist government.

(left) Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science, built in 1955, was a "gift to the Polish Nation from the Soviet people."  It was originally called the "Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science," but that name was changed with the removal of Stalin from Soviet leadership. The building is currently a widely recognized symbol of Warsaw, not always positively, since  many still consider it to be a symbol of Soviet domination. 

The area around the building contains theaters, cinema, an art museum, and auditorium and public squares where the famous Warsaw Christmas market takes place.

It is an example of Stalinist architecture mixed with influences from American Art Deco. 

(right) One of the Theaters of Dramatic arts at the Palace of Culture.  The theater buildings were built at the same time as the Palace (1950s), though they look much older, built in a classical style.

While admiring the arts district, it's sobering to  look down at the pavement and see the designation along the pavement marking the location of the Jewish Ghetto Wall,  built during Nazi occupation.













 Warsaw' s Old Town Square is  bustling with the beginning of summer tourism. It's a colorful place, full of flowers, lovely colorful brick and stone buildings, towers and archways. Churches ring out the hours to the visitors filling the cafe tables al fresco or inside many quaint restaurants, a stark contrast to its almost-total destruction in World War II (photo below).  It was sunny and almost 80 so we found it hard to believe that there was troubling weather in Fort Collins. So FAR from home!

 We walk among colorful buildings and thriving businesses. But those who live in Warsaw know it was not always this way as seen in the photos displayed on the old city ramparts.  Above, a powerful photo reminds visitors of the destruction of this same area in 1945 at the end of WW II.

The re-built walls and ramparts at the entrance to Market Square.  A powerful photo display shows the destroyed area in WW II, placing the current vibrancy of the city in the context of what it has risen from. It makes one feel humbled to be in this place and to sing in honor of the strength and resiliency of the Polish people. The title of Poland's National Anthem reflects that resiliency: Poland has not yet Perished.

Streets lined with restaurants featuring Polish fare -- but rarely a green salad!

Antiques in Warsaw

Warsaw's Royal Castle -- more museum than home

Market Square in Old Town Warsaw

Altos, tenors and basses found some too!

 

(right) A city of color in its  historic architecture -- and nature's help with a vivid blue sky. 

Someone's home -- oh, to see beyond those gates!

                                             

                                                         First Concert, Friday, June 5

The Field Cathedral of the Polish Army,  also known as The Church of Our Lady Queen of the Polish Crown (photo from Wikipedia)

Our first concert, Friday evening,  was at the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army.  After participating in the evening Mass, we presented a concert to the congregation of this beautiful, historic church.  The cathedral was built in the mid 18th Century, but has been through multiple changes in its use and appearance over the Centuries.   It is currently the representative cathedral of the entire Polish Army.  All major military religious feasts are celebrated there.

(left) Anna Marie, our tour guide, goes over logistics with the Celebrant of the Mass in the gardens of the Field Cathedral.

(right) The interior of the Cathedral shimmered with gold, especially in the late-day sun when we had our concert.  Wall on the right of the altar shows the Coat of Arms of Poland,  an eagle, armed, crowned and beaked.

Heavenly host -- angels on the golden ceiling of the Cathedral -- photo by David Lindstrom

The lovely, stately cathedral is across from a striking monument to those men, women and children who rose up against German occupation in 1944 (Warsaw Uprising).  Though the uprising was ultimately unsuccessful against the Nazis (who were occupying Warsaw),  Poland remains proud of the brave efforts taken by the Polish resistance against the Germans.

(left) A monument to freedom from oppression, enjoyed by a young child in Warsaw who one day will hear the stories and understand.

Heroes of the Warsaw Uprising Monument

The acoustics in the cathedral were great,  thrilling us to hear our final chords sustained in the space.  A standing ovation was a bonus, especially when it was led by the priest celebrant who brought out video and an iPad to record our performance.  A smiling soldier in uniform stood by to photograph throughout the concert.  Though he spoke in Polish (which we don't!) we understood the priest's words and gestures as he spoke to the congregation about music lifting us up -- which they really seemed to feel after our Gospel songs!

 Mike (and Paddy Shannon) seemed pleased with our first performance.  Time to celebrate together in Old Town...

 Cathy Horvath, Voices West, relaxes with friends after the concert in Old Town, Warsaw.

Jean Johnson and her mother Gaye Fletcher

A walk and a meal together in an Old Town cafe capped a rather perfect day. The wiener schnitzel, red cabbage, Polish beers and wine helped!

 The Cathedral where we performed, illuminated  in later evening

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 Sculpture on the university grounds, under a summer evening sky.

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