Paso Robles, CA – The Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles announces the lineup of concerts and accompanying events scheduled during the 2019 Festival, taking place from October 31—November 3.
Following a longstanding tradition, the Festival opening concert will be held at Cass Winery on Thursday, October 31. A Halloween-themed film music program entitled “Dracula Rising: Ghosts of Hollywood Past” will be presented by the San Francisco- based Ensemble 4 These Times with music by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Bronisław Kaper, Wojciech Kilar, Erich Korngold, Alexander Tansman, and Henry Vars. Program selections will be accompanied by projected visuals, featuring stills from various iconic films, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Ninth Gate, Lili, The Man in the Vault, and Invitation. For the first time in Festival’s history, this concert will be held at the brand new Cass Winery Barrel Room, nestled among the rows of vines and shaded by majestic Paso oak trees. The audience is encouraged to come in Halloween costumes to this event.
On Friday, November 1, the Festival moves to downtown Paso’s Park Ballroom. USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia led by Adam and Rotem Gilbert will present “Polish Baroque Treasures” selections of instrumental and vocal-instrumental works from 14th – 17th centuries performed on period instruments. Works by composers active between 1550-1730, including Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki, Marcin Mielczewski, Wacław of Szamotuły, and Mikołaj Zieleński are featured on the program.
Saturday afternoon, November 2, winners of the 2019 Youth Piano Competition, representing top talent from the Central Coast counties, will be heard at the Ballroom of the historic Paso Robles Inn.
The Saturday evening Festival Gala, also at the Ballroom of the Paso Robles Inn will feature Takeshi Nagayasu, a brilliant young pianist and the 2019 First Prize winner of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Chopin Competition in New York City. Mr. Nagayasu will present music by Chopin, Paderewski, Szymanowski, and Scriabin, with Scriabin’s Sonata No. 5 and Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 among the program’s highlights.
The Festival will end on Sunday, November 3, with Festival’s Artistic Director, Marek Zebrowski, presenting a lecture on “Paderewski and World Politics” that celebrates Poland’s Independence Day (Nov. 11), 100 years of Paderewski’s year in office as Poland’s president, as well as the centenary of Polish-American diplomatic relations that are observed throughout this year.
A meeting with the gala pianist, Takeshi Nagayasu and a master class takes place at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Friday, November 1, at 12 noon, Davidson Music Building, Room 208. Mr. Nagayasu will share his insights on preparing concert repertoire and performing it with local music students.
Additional Paderewski-themed exhibits will be on display during the Festival at the Carnegie Library, City Park, Pioneer Museum and Paso Chamber of Commerce.
Admission for the 2019 Paderewski Festival ranges from free for children under 18 to $20-40 for general admission with discounts for seniors over 60 and wine industry, and $5 for students 18 and over with ID. Friends of Paderewski are $250 and Paderewski Patron admission are $500. Top tiered tickets include preferred seating at all events and special benefits.
Tickets can be purchased online at paderewskifest.com or by calling (805) 235-5409.
The 2019 Paderewski Festival Schedule
Thursday, October 31:
“Dracula Rising: Ghosts of Hollywood Past” with Ensemble 4 These Times
Music by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Kaper, Kilar, Korngold, Tansman, and Vars
Cass Winery, Paso Robles
Wine reception at 6:30 PM | Concert at 7 PM | Paid admission
Friday, November 1:
Master Class with Gala Artist, Takeshi Nagayasu
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Davidson Music Building, Room 218
12 noon | Free admission
“Polish Baroque Treasures” with USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia led by Adam and Rotem Gilbert
Music by Gorczycki, Mielczewski, Zieleński, and others
Park Ballroom, Paso Robles
Wine reception at 6:30 PM | Concert at 7 PM | Paid admission
Saturday, November 2:
Winners of 2019 Youth Piano Competition
Paso Robles Inn Ballroom
Concert at 4 PM | Free admission
Gala Concert with pianist Takeshi Nagayasu
Music by Chopin, Paderewski, Szymanowski, and Scriabin
Park Ballroom, Paso Robles
Wine reception at 6:30 PM | Concert at 7 PM | Paid admission
Sunday, November 3:
“Paderewski and World Politics” lecture by Marek Zebrowski
Epoch Estate Winery, Paso Robles
Wine and cheese reception begins at 10 AM
Friends of Paderewski and Paderewski Patrons only
All events are subject to change.
Media contact: Steve Cass, steve@casswines.com, 805.239.8463
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