The Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation announces its third annual summer concert, taking place Sunday, August 19, starting at 3:00 PM, at the Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

This year’s concert is dedicated to Karol Szymanowski in the 125th year of his birth, declared the Year of Szymanowski by the Polish Sejm. On this auspicious occasion, the national Kosciuszko Foundation, headquartered in New York, joins the Phildephia Chapter in honoring this seminal figure of 20th century music by co-sponsoring the event.

The concert features noted virtuosi and Szymanowski scholars, Blanka Bednarz, violinist and Matthew Bengtson, pianist, performing a musical program drawn from a cross-section of Szymanowsk’s works, including Etudes op. 4, Myths for Violin and Piano op. 30, Masques op. 34 and Mazurkas op. 50.

Blanka Bednarz performs regularly as part of the Atma Trio and together with Sinfonietta Polonia, a unique orchestral training program based in Poznan, Poland. Closer to Philadelphia, Dr. Bednarz is Professor of Music at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, where she is also concertmaster of the Dickinson Orchestra.

Matthew Bengtson is a pianist, fortepianist and harpsichordist with a special interest in Karol Szymanowski’s music. His 2002 recording, “The Complete Mazurkas of Karol Szymanowski,” presents the subject of his doctoral dissertation, which was honored with the 2003 Stefan and Wanda Wilk Prize for Research in Polish Music.

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) is regarded as the father of contemporary Polish music. Active in many genres, Szymanowski composed four symphonies, the opera “King Roger,” (which I saw when it was performed in Buffalo in 1992) the ballet “Harnasie” and his choral masterpiece “Stabat Mater.” Today these works enjoy a growing appreciation throughout the world.

Doors will open at 2:30 for refreshments before the concert. Following the concert, the artists will greet guests as they enjoy coffee and Polish pastries from Julia Bakery. Tickets are available in advance for $35 ($15 for students) from Fred Wolanin at 267-987-5347 or 215-752-9270, or at the door for $40 ($20 for students). Convenient off-street parking is available at the Parkway Corporation garage at 1845 Walnut St for a flat rate of $12 with validation at the concert.

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation gratefully acknowledges support from the Cierpik Fund administered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, Swift Mailing Services and the Szyszko Family, Julia Bakery and the Parkway Corporation.