A Mass in the Holy Cross Church, where Chopin’s heart is interred in one of the pillars, will be followed by recitals of his music in several venues in the city centre as well as poetry readings featuring winners of the national competition of poetry on Chopin themes.
Several Chopin recitals are to be held daily by Polish and foreign pianists until March 1, which is universally recognized as the date of the composer’ birth.
An entry in the record of births of the parish church in Brochów near Zelazowa Wola, where Chopin was baptized, as well as a birth certificate signed by the composer's parents, give the date of February 22, 1810.
In the composer’s family home, however, Fryderyk’s birthday was celebrated on March 1. Chopin died in Paris on October 17, 1849.
(mk)