Special musical events are on tap across Europe this year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Frederic Chopin's birth, particularly in the Polish capital, Warsaw. The composer and pianist, son of a French immigrant father and Polish mother, was born nearby and lived in Warsaw for much of his early life. Polish tourism officials have gone all out to create events that highlight not only the composer's work but also serve as a draw to entice international visitors to the city.
Among the highlights of Chopin Year will be the 16th International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, which takes place every five years in Warsaw. In addition to the competition, set for October, international musicians will be on hand to perform the composer's works.
High tech, high price tags
Visitors don't need to attend a formal event to get into the Chopin spirit, however. Tourists can download an audio guide from www.um.warszawa.pl/wydarzenia/chopin, available in eight languages, that leads them to benches at locations that were significant in the musician's life, where they can learn more about Chopin and even hear snippets of some of his compositions.
The city has spent about $51 million to create and upgrade places of interest along a Chopin Route, including the newly renovated Chopin Museum in the Ostrogski Palace, reopening this month.
The ultramodern interior includes interactive exhibitions that re-create scenes from Chopin's life. The museum also houses a children's room as well as preserved manuscripts and a performance space for concerts.
A new Chopin Center offers a library and conference facilities, while the musician's official birthplace in Zelazowa Wola, about 30 miles outside the city, is being transformed into a center for culture and a venue for free, open-air concerts.
Polish Minister of Culture Bogdan Zdrojewski said the goal of the yearlong celebration is to create sites that will continue to bring visitors well beyond 2010.
Tracing Chopin's footsteps
Even casual visitors to Warsaw can experience highlights of Chopin's life simply by strolling through the city, starting with the imposing art deco statue of the composer in Royal Lazienki Park.
Chopin lived the cafe life in Warsaw as a young man, and visitors can follow in his footsteps by exploring the cafes on Kozia and Miodowa streets.
The 17th century Holy Cross Church, where the musician's family attended services, is an important stop for Chopin fans for a more somber reason.
While it is not uncommon for famous lay people to be buried in European churches and cathedrals, in Chopin's case, it is only his heart that is kept there, marked by a bust and plaque.
During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the heart was whisked away for safekeeping but was restored to the church at the end of the war and has remained there ever since.
For info on Chopin Year, go to http://chopin2010.pl/en.
