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I would like to serve my country sincerely.
Even without living by the Vistula River
I can serve my homeland.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski

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About the Paderewski Association


Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was
a pianist, composer, diplomat, politician,
and humanitarian. As Prime Minister of
Poland during its independence between the
World Wars, he was one of the signers of the
1919 Treaty of Versailles. Five American
Presidents—Taft, Wilson, Coolidge, Hoover,
and Roosevelt–acknowledged him as a great
statesman and he was respected by leaders
throughout the world.

Paderewski was likely the most famous and
admired pianists of all time. His popularity,
bolstered by his dynamic personality,
reached rock star proportions at the
beginning of the 20th century. He swept the
world with his performances (he gave more
than 1,500 concerts in the U.S.).
Paderewski was admired for his playing of
Bach, superlative Beethoven renditions,
and as the best interpreter of Chopin at the
time. As early as 1895 he founded the
Paderewski Fund in New York to establish
triennial prizes to American composers,
regardless of race or religion.

As the American Secretary of State, Robert Lansing (1915-1920), wrote about him in his book, The Big Four , "His views were essentially sane and logical. What Mr. Paderewski has done for Poland will cause eternal gratitude. His career is one which deserves to be remembered not only by his countrymen, but by every man whom love of country and loyalty to a great cause stand forth as the noblest attributes of human character."

We strongly believe that it is essential to secure the legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski in America
by restoring the prominence of his timeless virtues. The Maestro is an important model as a
musician, statesman, and humanitarian who shared his talent and life for the good of nations.

The Paderewski Association Vision

Through the inspiration and example of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, concert pianist, composer,
statesman, patriot, entrepreneur and world traveler, it is the goal of the Paderewski Association
to raise the international community’s awareness of the achievements of Polish culture,
past and present, and to facilitate connections between Polish American artists, artisans,
entrepreneurs and the general public.

Board of Directors

Izabela Roman, President
Stan Bernacki, Vice-president
Diana Bernacki, Secretary

Board Members

Victoria Granacki, Historic Research Director
Andrzej Dajnowski, Historic Preservation Consultant
Bozena Nowicka, Education Program Development Director

© 2006-2012 The Paderewski Association