This is a fifteenth and tenth edition of the Music and Theatre Awards, respectively. The Capitol Theatre artist, Katarzyna Emose Uhunmwangho, and her band entertained the audience after the awards had been officially presented.
Ewa Michnik and her fourth trophy
In the classical music category, Ewa Michnik was awarded for her idea to organise the "Stars of the New York Metropolitan Opera at the Wroclaw Opera" series. The Director of the Wroclaw Opera House came up with the idea to invite renowned singers to perform their recitals in Wroclaw. The Wroclaw Opera hosted the ingenious contralto Ewa Podleś and the tenor Piotr Beczała, who is currently enjoying great success at the most prominent stages throughout the world.For Ewa Michnik, this year's prize is a fourth in her collection of Wroclaw Music Awards (she formerly received it in 2002, 2006 and 2008), but it is just as valuable. "I am really pleased with the award, and it's relevant because it concerns music, which is very important for our city," said the Wroclaw Opera Director. "This is not only about the music appreciation or rewarding the institutions and the artists, but also about creating conditions for music to develop. The newly renovated buildings of the Capitol Theatre or the National Music Forum are the best examples in this respect," she pointed out.
Piotr Dziubek and his unique season
Piotr Dziubek, who carried off the prize in the popular music category, received a round of applause already when he was read out as one of the nominees. A composer, arranger and accordionist, he has been one of the hottest names in the industry, especially since the success of "The Master and Margarita", to which he set his own music (released as a separate LP). But in fact he was awarded for an excellent season, for which, as he entered the stage of the Wroclaw Contemporary Theatre, he extended thanks to the Capitol Theatre Director, Konrad Imiela. "The award presented by your own city is and always will be the most important," admitted the composer.
Wojciech Kościelniak and his success story
This year's winner of the Wroclaw Theatre Award, Wojciech Kościelniak, was visibly surprised. He emphasised that it was an honour to receive the award in his beloved city and he also thanked his wife for inspiration. "Wroclaw is unique. I was born here and have grown as an artist," said the director. The artist carried off the award for his daring adaptation of Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" staged at the Capitol Theatre in Wroclaw. The performance is one enormous box office hit. "I have invested twenty years of hard graft and experience to succeed with this performance," revealed Wojciech Kościelniak. "This gives me some kind of fulfilment and a stimulus to work harder in the future, not to rest on my laurels and to learn all the time," added the director.
