Polish composer to be focus of Butler event

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Polish Arts Club of Youngstown will host its 83rd annual Scholarship, Art, Music & Tea Reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Butler Institute of American Art – North, 524 Wick Ave. The event will include the scholarship award ceremony, a historical introduction to Polish composer Stanisla Moniuszko by Dr. Ewelina Boczkowska, YSU associate professor of music history, and a musical performance of the composer’s work by pianist Konrad Binienda and violinist Konrad Kowal. An exhibit of graphic opera poster art from the Polish School of Posters will complement the program. A traditional high tea with homemade cookies will follow. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Binienda is a graduate of the doctor of musical arts program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Since his debut with the Cleveland Orchestra in 2007, he has performed in recitals and with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

Kowal began studying violin at the age of 4 and is working toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance at CIM.