King Roger and the 'Ski Weekend'

King Roger and the 'Ski Weekend'
Composer Karol Szymanowski celebration

by Gene Harubin Zygmont

Sixty two years after its premiere in Warsaw, Karol Szymanowski's opera, King Roger, had its North American premiere at the Terrace Theater, Long Beach.

Several earlier attempts to introduce the work to American audiences had been thwarted by political as well as financial and artistic difficulties. Finally, the Long Beach Opera (LBO), under its dynamic director, Michael Milenski, succeeded in staging it on January 24, 1988.

The premiere performance of King Roger capped what LBO billed as a 'Ski Weekend', at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach. It was a two day Szymanowski celebration with lectures, panel discussions, chamber music concert, plus an elegant Polish dinner and pre-opera brunch.

The 'Ski Weekend began on Saturday morning, January 23rd, with a panel discussion of Szymanowski's music. Host Wanda Wilk introduced Mark Swed, music critic; Jim Svejda, musicologist and classical music radio host and Dr. Annabele Kahn, art historian. The panel explored the evolution of the composer's style, his contributions to the classical music repertoire and concluded that he is one of the undiscovered musical giants of the 20th century.

An afternoon of Szymanowski's chamber music followed. Ellen Milenski, pianist; Angelique Burzynski, soprano and Arthur Zadinsky, violinist, presented rarely heard works for solo instrument and voice.

At concert's end, the assembled music lovers returned to the hotel for Dinner a la Polonaise, which included such delicacies as Steak Tartare, Herring in Cream, Mushrooms en Croute, Duckling with Apples and Prunes, Pierogi and Walnut Torte. Copious quantities of chilled vodka, red wine and after dinner cherry cordials complemented the meal. Anyone who could stiII move was invited to dance off the calories at a Polish Polka Party in the lounge. Most retired to prepare for the next day.

A Sunday morning coffee slide-lecture on 12th century Sicily by Dr. Kahn acquainted the audience with the history of the opera's setting and set the proper historical tone for the afternoon performance of the opera. After the lecture the guests had brunch, during which they dined on four kinds of herring, several varieties of kielbasa, assorted cold meats, fish, salads, breads, pastries and cordials while Jim Svejda, Mark Swed and Michael Milenski discussed Szymanowski's work and his niche in classical music. It was noted that Mozart and Delibes were out of favor throughout the 19th century and rediscovered during this century. So it might be with Szymanowski. Murray Sidlin, opera conductor then explained the opera in detail and advised the audience on how to listen and what to listen for.

The matinee performance of King Roger was a sellout, with critics and opera lovers from around the country attending. The opera was staged in a modern setting by David Alden. The cast included James Johnson as King Roger; Nancy M. Shade as Queen Roxanne; Jonathan Mack as Edrisi; Jon Fredric West as the Shepherd and the 100 voice William Hall Chorale. Murray Sidlin conducted.

King Roger was extensively and ecstatically reviewed in local papers as well as those in San Francisco, Chicago and New York, A repeat performance was held on January 27th in Long Beach.

LBO Director, Michael Milenski, reaped well-deserved accolades for his daring and foresight in bringing this long neglected masterpiece to the American operatic stage.

From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.