The Zimka–Ochwat Accordion Duo appeared at a special gathering with the Polish-American community at the John Paul II Friendnship Center CPS on Friday, May 8, in Manhattan. The event brought together admirers of Polish culture who had the opportunity to meet the artists shortly after their successful concert tour across the United States.
The meeting was hosted by Jakub Polaczyk, who warmly welcomed both the musicians and the audience. He emphasized that the artists had completed their U.S. concert tour just two days earlier, during which they performed, among other venues, at the prestigious Carnegie Hall — one of the world’s most renowned concert halls. Their appearance in New York therefore offered a unique opportunity for the local Polish community to meet the musicians from Kraków in person.
During the event, the artists spoke about their artistic work and concert experiences while also presenting the remarkable sound possibilities of the concert accordion. Audience members were able to hear how versatile and expressive the accordion can be, perfectly suited for both classical and contemporary repertoire.
In light of the upcoming Mother’s Day celebrations in the United States, the musical program also carried a festive and reflective atmosphere. The duo performed, among other works, excerpts from Harnasie by Karol Szymanowski as well as a suite by Edvard Grieg, presenting interpretations filled with emotion, sensitivity, and musical energy. The audience rewarded the artists with enthusiastic applause, appreciating both the high artistic level of the performance and the warm atmosphere celebrating Polish culture in New York.
