As per the event’s formula, Krzysztof Komeda's oeuvre remains a staple. The festival’s artistic director, Leszek Kułakowski, has told PAP news agency that "This music has lived to see many surprising interpretations... and has become creative material for many outstanding artists - Polish, European, world."
This year's Komeda Jazz Festival pivots on two paramount musical events. First, the opening spectacle "Europhony" for solo voice, jazz quintet, and symphony orchestra, conceived by Leszek Kułakowski in 1998, emblematic of a "common European home" and steadfast in its pertinent message today.
Secondly, on October 19, Słupsk will host the only Polish concert by world-renowned jazz guitarist John Scofield and his trio, offering melodies from their new album alongside arrangements of jazz classics.
Complementary to these headline acts, the festival offers an array of free events, such as "European jazz battles" — an homage to New Orleans traditions, with jazz trios, including Leszek Kułakowski's "Ensemble piccolo" and the Jakub Hajdun Trio, engaging in musical battles on October 17 and 18 at the Aureus Palace.
Additional recommended performances encompass comedy concerts, a solo recital "Tribute to Stańko" by Piotr Damasiewicz, and Beatles-inspired jazz by the Imienowski Jazz Set, as well as two photo exhibitions.
The festival will culminate in a screening of Roman Polański's short films, enriched by Komeda’s music, at the Rejs cinema. The opening act on Friday promises to enchant the streets of Słupsk with a "Joyful Jazz Parade", culminating in an unveiling of a mural dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda.
Click here for a detailed program of the event.
(jh)
Source: PAP