The theme for the 63^rd Annual Convention of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC), which was hosted by the Polish American Cultural Center in Cleveland, Ohio was "Celebrating the Maestro", in honor of Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941). An afternoon during the Convention was spent at the Polish Cultural Garden located in Cleveland’s Rockefeller Park. Chairing the entire agenda of concert music, presentations on Paderewski’s life by eminent speakers, and youthful Polish folk dancers was Ben Stefanski, President of our convention host organization, Polish American Cultural Center. Following the moving renditions of the American and Polish National Anthems by Eugenia Stolarczyk and the touching invocation by Rev. Placyd Kon, O.F.M., Mr. Stefanski kept the audience’s keen attention as he recited the history of the Polish Cultural Garden, which was dedicated in 1934. It contains a hexagonal sunken court with colorful flowerbeds, shrubs and trees imported from Poland. Originally, six busts of internationally famous Poles were placed in the outer circle of the garden. All of the busts were completely destroyed by vandals in the 1970’s. Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Polish American Cultural Society three bronze busts have been recreated and mounted on granite pedestals, namely, Copernicus, Curie, and Sienkiewicz. Unveiled this date, the bust of Paderewski, sculpted by Michael Demin, will join the other notable Polish figures. Mr. Stefanski introduced the Mayor of Cleveland, Hon. Frank Jackson and other notable figures in the community and then called upon Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York to address the audience. Ms. Ziomecka’s remarks included thanks and appreciation for the very active role of the Polish American society of Cleveland in promoting Polish culture and heritage. Keynote speaker for the occasion was Dr. James S Pula, Professor of History at Purdue University and editor of the recently published "The Polish American Encyclopedia". Dr. Pula recited not only the world-wide recognition of Paderewski as a pianist and composer, but dwelt on his highly effective activism and political work for Poland in its most difficult times. The sizeable audience encircling the garden court thoroughly enjoyed the Musical Tribute to Paderewski which followed. The musical performances included Konrad Binienda, Piano, Artist in Residence at Harvard University’s Phorzheimer House; pianist Dongning Yang (recently gave a recital at the Metropolitan Museum in NY) who accompanied soprano Julie-Ann Hamula, ACPC’s 2011 Sembrich Vocal Competition winner; and Eugeniu Ceremus, violinist, a Fellow of the Aspen Music Festival and School, and prize winner in various youth violin competitions in Eastern Europe. The unveiling of the Paderewski bust was a very touching moment and the audience’s reaction was quite moving as everyone admired the strength and determination clearly discernable in the sculpted image of the great leader of Poland and the ideological leader of Polish Americans. As the event drew to a close, the audience exhibited its enthusiastic appreciation to Mr. Stefanski for a remarkable and wonderful event. As the audience headed toward the exits onto the street, it found itself being joyously entertained by the Piast Dance Ensemble, a group of skilled and enthusiastic Polish folk dancers.

1. ConsulBen Ð L/R: Ben Stefanski, President Polish American Cultural Center, Cleveland; Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, Consul General of the Republic of Poland.

2. Pianist Dongning Yang; soprano Juli-Ann Hamula

3. Pianist Konrad Binienda

4. Violinist: Eugeniu Ceremus

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