Polish vibrancy, dynamism, the charm of dancers, modern arrangements of folk compositions, breathtaking costumes, captivating dances, and stirring music—these words only begin to capture the beauty of the spectacular performance by the Mazowsze Folk Song and Dance Ensemble in Rome. After six decades, Mazowsze returned to the Eternal City with its full cast of 160 members, leaving the Roman audience spellbound.
The concert, held on November 18 in the acoustically renowned Sala Santa Cecilia at the Ennio Morricone Auditorium Parco della Musica, drew a crowd of 2,000. The audience was predominantly composed of the Italian Polish community, though many Italians with a keen interest in culture also attended.
A Historic return after 60 years
The event was extraordinary for many reasons. Most notably, it was organized as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Monte Cassino. This historical significance was evident during the performance when the Mazowsze choir sang “Czerwone Maki na Monte Cassino” [Red Poppies at Monte Casino]. The day before, the entire ensemble visited the Polish war cemetery at Monte Cassino.
For those connected to Warsaw, the song “Warszawskie Dzieci” [Warsaw’s Children] was particularly poignant, honoring the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. Among those moved was Marta Przepiórkowska, a Warsaw-born translator who has lived in Rome for six years.
“I came to the concert out of longing for home. Besides, I’ve never attended a Mazowsze concert in Poland,” Marta shared. “My boyfriend, Emiliano, who is Italian, enjoyed the show, though in a different way. I recognize the melodies, he doesn’t,” she added.
Emiliano Viziganella said, “I love not just the singing but also the dancing, costumes, and music—everything. The entire performance was stunning and deeply emotional.”
The ensemble’s entire cast of over 160 performers made Mazowsze’s return to Rome after 60 years even more memorable. The performance featured the whole dance group, choir, and orchestra. Artistic director and conductor Jacek Boniecki expressed joy and pride shortly after the concert.
“It’s incredible to perform here 60 years after Mazowsze’s legendary concert in Rome. Sixty years—what a passage of time!” Boniecki remarked. “We can feel the weight of history, the importance of this place, and above all, the enthusiasm of the audience. It is a great honor and a tremendous joy for the entire ensemble.”
A tailored program for an enthusiastic audience
The director also acknowledged the vibrant energy radiating from the audience. In preparation for this special occasion, Mazowsze incorporated unique pieces into their repertoire, including the “Mazur” from Stanisław Moniuszko’s “The Haunted Manor,” explicitly performed for the Rome concert.
“This is a historic moment for us. I believe the audience felt it too and understood why they were here,” Boniecki added.
The nearly three-hour-long spectacle attracted Poles and a significant international audience. Anna Stryjska from Poznań, who studies communication at the American University of Rome, shared her experience:
“This concert was an opportunity for me to reconnect with Polish culture, which I miss—it’s the culture I grew up with.”
Anna attended the performance with her friend Alejandra Cueliar from Corumbá, Brazil, who studies international relations at the same university. “It was a beautiful concert and a chance for me to learn more about Polish culture, which is entirely new to me,” Alejandra noted.
Three young Italian academics, Francesca Musso, Alessandra Vapin, and Ludovica Proietti, attended the concert at the recommendation of a Polish friend. “We loved it!” they exclaimed. “We have visited Poland twice and are somewhat familiar with Polish culture. The dances, costumes—everything was mesmerizing, even though we understand only a few Polish words,” Francesca added.
The performance included a nod to Italian culture, featuring the song “È primavera, svegliatevi bambine”, sung in tribute to their Italian friends. Also, one of Mazowsze’s performers, Olaf Czajkowski, was born in Rome.
Tears of emotion and pride in Mazowsze
The concert was a nostalgic journey back to their roots for Poles living in Italy. Maciej Korpal, originally from near Przemyśl and now a 25-year resident of Italy, traveled to Rome specifically for the event.
“During this concert, I felt like I was in Poland. The rhythms reminded me of my youth when I attended dances with similar music. Mazowsze brought all those memories back,” Maciej shared.
Gennaro Caruso, a 50-year-old Roman of Polish heritage, attended with his mother, Jolanta, wife, and daughter. “The concert was phenomenal, especially the Highlanders’ dances—they were electrifying!” Gennaro enthused.
Jolanta, who emigrated to Italy 50 years ago, was equally emotional. “It reminded me of Poland. When they played the anthem, I couldn’t hold back tears,” she admitted.
Polish Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf also described the performance as a sentimental journey to his childhood. Above all, he was thrilled that Polish and Italian audiences experienced the best of Polish folklore in a modern, dynamic style.
“I believe we can be proud. The Italians, who were present in large numbers, clearly enjoyed it. The enthusiasm was palpable. Mazowsze was magnificent—professional, energetic, youthful, and beautiful. It felt like Mazowsze was saying, ‘This is who we are,'” Ambassador Schnepf concluded.
Looking ahead
The concert became a reality thanks to the backing of the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Polish Embassy in Rome, and the Polish Institute.
Many attendees expressed hope that Mazowsze’s next performance in the Eternal City will happen much sooner than another 60 years.
