Magdalena Abakanowicz about Maestro Award:

At first, one may think that the work of Paderewski and Abakanowicz do not have anything in common. Still, the "Maestro Award" can be seen as a mystical bridge that connects two artistic worlds, the world of music and the world of sculpture. This is fascinating. For a composer it is much easier than it is for a sculptor to reach the audience these days. At the time of electronic inventions, one does not need to go to a music hall in order to hear the compositions of a genius. Sometimes it is just enough to buy a CD, turn on the radio or a computer. In the case of sculpture, especially
concerning such a large project like Agora, in order to feel the chill of emotions one must literally step inside of it to be right in the middle. Sculpture loses with music in the battle for a receiver. All the more, this particular award, the "Maestro Award," has more meaning to me. (Magdalena Abakanowicz, Expatpol, 2006)

The MAESTRO AWARD established in 2006 acknowledges artistic achievement and promotion
of Polish culture in the spirit of Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941), whose talent and erudition reached thousands, whose personality inspired and still inspires, and whose patriotism and remarkable humanitarian views define a caliber of accomplishment which establishes the criteria for
recipients of this award.

Recipients:

• Magdalena Abakanowicz, Sculptor; 2006
• Cristopher Kamyszew, Founder of the Polish Film Festival in America; 2008
• General Edward L. Rowny, retired U.S.
  Army lieutenant general, former ambassador, and chief U.S. arms control advisor to five presidents, a dedicated promulgator of Paderewski’s legacy; 2010

Sponsor: Stanley Boduch