Wojciech Pszoniak… loved for his performances in such productions as “Wesele” (“The Wedding”), “Ziemia obiecana” (“The Promised Land”), “Danton” and “Korczak” by Andrzej Wajda, or “Austeria” by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, as well as for his countless other theatre and film appearances. Yet, as a teenager, the acting genius wanted to become a musician. Following in his grandfather’s and mother’s footsteps, he began his musical education with the violin, only to later learn the oboe and the clarinet. He played in a military band and in an opera orchestra. But then came the studies at the PWST (State Higher School of Acting) in Cracow, and a career in acting to which he chose to dedicate his life. He never forsook music, though, adding the saxophone to the list of instruments he mastered (an ability he employed in films and theatre productions); late in life, he also began to learn to play the cello…

The Poznań Philharmonic was lucky to rank Wojciech Pszoniak among its friends. It was with his acting skills and narration that he embellished several of our concerts at the University Auditorium and the concert hall of the National Philharmonic. We had an opportunity to applaud his appearances in Der Bürger als Edelman by Richard Strauss, Djamileh by Georges Bizet, or Lélio, or the Return to Life by Hector Berlioz…

What was Wojciech Pszoniak like as actor and person? Wydawnictwo Poznańskie has recently published Małgorzata Terlecka-Reksnis’ book Pszoniak. Fragmenty (Pszoniak. Fragments). On 14 June (7 p.m. at University Auditorium), the book will be promoted at a concert dedicated to the memory of this outstanding artist. The event which closes Poznań Philharmonic’s 77th artistic season will feature guests: the actor’s wife, Barbara Pszoniak, and the author of this extended interview, Małgorzata Terlecka-Reksnis. The promotionally-priced book will be available in University Auditorium hallway on the night, with the author and Barbara Pszoniak signing it at the interval and after the concert.