Polish pianist-turned-statesman remembered 80 years after his death

Officials and historians have paid tribute to the celebrated Polish pianist, composer and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who died in the United States 80 years ago.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski

NAC

Paderewski was one of the architects of Poland’s independence, which it regained in 1918 after more than 120 years of foreign rule.

In 1919, in his role as prime minister and foreign affairs minister, he co-chaired the Polish delegation to the Peace Conference in Paris and signed the Treaty of Versailles.

He died in New York on June 29, 1941, and was buried at Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington following a decision by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1992, his remains were brought to Poland and buried at St John’s Cathedral in Warsaw.

Ignacy Jan #Paderewski conquered the world as a #pianist, enchanted as a #composer, changed as an independence activist, #statesman and #politician. He passed away #OTD 80 years ago in #NewYork. pic.twitter.com/VBWZ21MELF

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) June 29, 2021

Poland's parliament last week observed a minute's silence to honour the legendary musician and politician.

(gs-mk)

Source: IAR