Jerzy Mądrawski, head of the university’s Music Department, praised Żebrowski as "a versatile musician of international renown," noting his worldwide performances and his film scores for directors such as David Lynch.
Marek Żebrowski and David Lynch. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Michałowski
Mądrawski added that Żebrowski’s work in recent years has focused on academic and archival projects, especially as head of the Polish Music Center (PMC) in Los Angeles, which "deals with the preservation, digitisation and promotion of forgotten Polish musical heritage."
In his remarks, Żebrowski, a US resident since 1972, said the legacy of pianist and composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski has played a central role in his life and career, from his earliest piano lessons to his academic research.
He noted that his involvement in reviving the Paderewski Festival in the Californian spa town of Paso Robles—visited many times by the famed pianist—was a turning point in his work.
Żebrowski has served as the festival's director for 20 years and has played a key role in preserving Paderewski memorabilia.
"Years of thorough research into Paderewski’s life and work have made me realize that he was, first and foremost, a great humanist, for whom commitment to social causes was an ethical duty," Żebrowski said.
Founded 40 years ago on the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles, the Polish Music Center has grown into a major research institution. It houses a library with valuable manuscript collections by prominent Polish composers, publishes articles online about Polish culture, and organizes conferences, concerts and festivals in California and beyond.
The centre’s website offers information on Polish composers and music.
(mk/gs)