New music commissions for Poland's Centenary of Regaining Independence

In commemoration of the centenary of the regaining of Poland’s independence (1918-2018), the Friends of Chopin Australia commissioned two pieces of new music. The first from an Australian composer, indigenous composer Dr Christopher Sainsbury, to reflect on the meaning of independence to those forced to leave their homeland and resettle in new lands. The second from a Polish composer, Dr Aleksander Nowak, to reflect on the meaning of independence to those who remained in their homeland while armies invaded or annexed, borders were lost, or were brought under the rule of an occupying state.

The pieces were specially commissioned for the November Akademia (commemorative event) held at the White Eagle Club in Canberra on 25 November. They received their Australian and World Premieres at this event in front of the Polish Ambassador, representatives from the Polish Parliament, and representatives from the ACT, NSW and Federal Government. The pieces have also been recorded at the Australian National University School of Music with CDs produced to commemorate the centenary.