It took me an entire month to process the intense week of rehearsals and performance of my latest piece “Polka is a Czech Dance” by Spółdzielnia Muzyczna Contemporary Ensemble at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse 2023.
The concert was the final step of a long but wonderful musical journey. Afterward, I took a little break following an almost non-stop rewarding but intense ten-month work marathon including multiple pieces, performances, and academic endeavors.
Thinking back on the week in August, I have to admit that it felt different to be there for the first time as an invited artist. The two times I went to Ferienkurse in 2016 and 2018 were life-changing experiences that helped shape my artistic identity. This year, it was wonderful to see friendly faces and meet new people again.
I’m grateful for this commission from Darmstadt Summer Courses and its director, Thomas Schäfer, and our collaboration with the Spółdzielnia Muzyczna Contemporary Ensemble. The ensemble will perform the piece again at the Warsaw Autumn Festival on September 20th.
You can read more about August 12th concert in Darmstadt at this link.
Photo credit: Kristof Lemp