This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, and to celebrate, the Warsaw-based Adam Mickiewicz Institute is hosting a six-month Polish cultural program across five cities in South Korea, featuring film screenings, concerts and an art exhibition.
The cultural engagements commemorate the long-standing diplomatic ties between Poland and South Korea and provide a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, enriching the cultural landscapes of both nations.
The program kicked off in mid-August at the Jeonju International Sori Festival, a renowned music festival celebrating traditional music from around the world for over two decades.
Polish performers showcased a blend of genres and encouraged audiences to explore a variety of musical instruments and sound toys.
One of the highlight events is a Polish exhibition at the Gwangju Biennale, running from September 7 to December 1.
The Gwangju Biennale, the oldest biennale of contemporary art in Asia, enjoys a stellar reputation. This year’s theme, directed by Nicolas Bourriaud, is "Pansori – Soundscapes of the 21st Century," featuring 30 national pavilions.
The Polish Pavilion aims to showcase works that blend past experiences with visions of the future.
Meanwhile, this year's Polish Film Festival in Seoul will focus on films by Polish female directors, including Agnieszka Holland and Małgorzata Szumowska, highlighting the diversity and richness of Polish cinema.
The festival will kick off on September 25 and run until October 6 at the Cinematheque Seoul Art Cinema.
In the realm of music, the Seoul International Music Festival on October 18 will feature world-renowned cellist Arto Noras along with Polish musicians performing works by notable Polish composers including Karol Szymanowski and Krzysztof Penderecki.
This event further underscores the ongoing collaboration with prestigious South Korean cultural institutions, according to officials.
Sinfonia Varsovia, a renowned symphony orchestra based in Warsaw, is set to embark on its third concert tour in South Korea in November, as part of the celebrations marking 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The tour will feature two performances. The first concert will take place on November 26 in Daegu, as part of the World Orchestra Series.
The following day, the orchestra will perform in Seoul, at the Seoul Arts Center, located 280 kilometers from Daegu.
The repertoire for these performances will include works such as Mała suita by Witold Lutosławski, Rapsodia litewska op. 11 by Mieczysław Karłowicz, and Orawa by Wojciech Kilar, showcasing Poland's rich musical heritage.
The Jarasum Jazz Festival, taking place from October 18 to 20, will include performances by Polish jazz musicians such as Leszek Możdżer and the Kinga Glyk Trio, led by one of the world's outstanding young bass players.
Wrapping up the year, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul will host a first-of-its-kind survey of Polish animation and video art from December 6 to January 11, 2025.
This exhibition will feature avant-garde animations and formal experiments, highlighting the intersection of film and visual arts over decades.
(rt/gs)
Source: iam.pl