http://www2.polskieradio.pl/eo/dokument.aspx?iid=122002

Chopin benches in Warsaw

15.12.2009

Benches playing Frederic Chopin’s compositions will be located in fifteen spots in Warsaw to commemorate the renowned composer’s 200th birthday. 

 

Varsovians and tourists who visit Warsaw will be able to learn about Chopin’s early life and listen to his musical masterpieces while sitting on a bench.

 

“Each bench has a button which switches on a different piece of Chopin’s music,” explains Katarzyna Ratajczyk from Warsaw city hall.

 

There is also a map of Warsaw which shows all Chopin benches and a special code. Those who take a photo of the code and send it to a specific number, will be able to use a multimedia data base about the Polish composer – download his compositions, photos and documents about his life and achievements.   

 

The benches are located in places related to the Polish composer: Krasinskich Square, where Chopin performed his f-minor concerto in 1830, Miodowa and Kozia Street, where Chopin was a frequenter of cafes, the Radziwill Palace, where 8-year-old Chopin gave his first public concert, and Saski Park, where little Chopin used to play.  

 

Chopin benches were designed by Prof. Jerzy Porebski from the Academy of Fine Arts and the idea was implemented by Towarzystwo Projektowe and Warsaw city hall. (mg/pg)