PHILHARMONIC OF WIT
“PHILHARMONIC OF WIT” is a unique music comedy project of international meaning. It was created by three deeply skilled professionals: Jacek Kęcik (director and writer), Waldemar Malicki (classical music pianist and the front man of the project) and Bernard Chmielarz (arranger and conductor). The project was invented in 2005 in Poland (Europe) as a performance show using the potential of classical music performed by the pianist, soloists and orchestra, evolving in the direction of pop music and intelligent jokes and skits.
Polish Humorous Philharmonic has given dozens of concerts in Poland, for thousands of audiences, recorded two CDs, DVD and Blue-Ray (with the status of Silver Recordings) and gained a wide range of fans. It also received two Gold Records and several prestigious national awards. During concerts The Polish Humorous Philharmonic gives a three-hour show each time, based on classical music, arranged and presented in a pop style. Arrangements, which are rich in instrumentation, are connected here with the rhythm section. The Polish Humorous Philharmonic is the essence of intelligence in arrangement, penetration of the musical themes and sense of humor. Because of the textures of its leader, Waldemar Malicki and the essence of musical narrative and staging contexts, this full-length stage show proves that classical music is the mother and father of the whole world music, including pop. The primary objective of the show is to create positive emotions in the audience and wise, but full of laughter. As Waldemar Malicki says: “…Everyone, without exception, has classical music in their genes. It cannot be explained, but as soon as one hears a few b ars of ‘Carmen’s’ overture, they know and recognize it. They don’t know why, they just know they know. Advertising specialists were the first to use this rooted knowledge of classical compositions. Puccini, Brahms, Verdi, Bizet... they all wander among chocolates, cars and perfumes now. We are next…”
The Polish Humorous Philharmonic show introduces the classical music to 21st century life. The show is created by the most talented Polish instrumentalists and vocalists, presenting music in contemporary, well-understood language. Because Bernard Chmielarz’s arrangements, even the greatest opera and symphonic hits, sound as if they were composed nowadays, and since they’ re played by a unique, fully active in the show Orchestra, they ignite different emotions of audiences. During rapidly-extending performance it is impossible to be bored by a number of hits, especially when their popularity hasn’t diminished. The best audience of the show is often the middle class people: with secondary or higher education. In Poland, the project “The Polish Humorous Philharmonic” is placed among the highest form of entertainment.

Waldemar Malicki
Waldemar Malicki, one of the most well-known and comprehensive Polish pianists, graduated, with honors, in 1982 from the Academy of Music in Gdansk. Afterwards he developed his piano skills in Vienna. He has performed hundreds of concerts: in Europe, North and South Americas, Russia and Japan and recorded almost 40 CDs for Polton, Dux, Pavane (Belgium), Accord, Adda (France), Koch Records Schwann, Wergo (Germany), Pony Canyon (Japan). His CD including the works by Bach, Wieniawski and Paderewski received prestigious award of the Polish Recording Industry, "Fryderyk". In 1999 Malicki’s CD including works by Karol Szymanowski was also recognized by the music magazines, as the best studio album. Many times in the past the pianist performed, recital of Liszt’s late compositions, entitled "Catharsis" full of mystical and religious meanings. But simultaneously he presented his own solo-show program, full of musical virtuosity and humor. Apart from his performing activity Malicki is the President of the Society of I.J. Paderewski and, since 2000, has been the artistic director of the "Fun and Classic" Festival in Nowy Sacz.

Bernard Chmielarz
Bernard Chmielarz, composer, arranger and conductor, graduated from the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw as the doublebassist. From 1985 to 1986 he worked in the Orchestra of Polish Radio, and from 1986 to 2008 in the Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic. During his studies his interest in music went beyond playing the instrument, which is why Bernard Chmielarz started composing, conducting and arranging. Since 2005 Bernard Chmielarz has been the author or arranger of all the arrangements and compositions used in the programmes: “What’s going on here?”, “Laskowik & Malicki” and "The Polish Humorous Philharmonic". Also, Chmielarz conducted and prepared many occasional concerts for the Polish TV like Sport Champions Galas (2007-2012) or Celebration of 100th anniversary of Polish Cinema. He has also made orchestration for Kenji Kawai’s music to the Polish - Japanese film "Avalon" (2000).

Jacek Kęcik
Director, Jacek Kęcik graduated from the University of Warsaw as well as Drama & Film Academy in Lodz. Since then he has worked as an author, screenwriter and director. In the 1980s, he was the creator of a comedy associated with underground art movement, literature, poetry, dialogues, radio and witty film. He has worked for ten years in the advertising market, making more than 300 ad and gathering 7 important awards at the Festivals of Film & Advertising (and twice won the Grand Prix). He has implemented more than a hundred video clips at national and international festivals of this genre. In the advertising and music videos he has been specializing in special effects and use of new technologies. He was also the main director of the famous Festivals of Polish Song in Opole.

PROGRAM:
Richard Strauss: Tako rzecze Zaratustra
Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt: Piraci z Karaibów
Johann Strauss: Radetzky Marsch
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
George Bizet: uwertura do opery "Carmen"
Giacomo Puccini: Aria Kalafa "Non piagere Liu" z op. "Turandot"
Giacomo Puccini: Aria "Nessun Dorma" z opery "Turandot"
Johann Strauss: "Odgłosy wiosny"
Astor Piazzolla: "Libertango"
Piotr Czajkowski:"Jezioro łabędzie"
Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Camille Saint-Saens: Finał cyklu miniatur "Karnawał zwierząt"
W.A Mozart: Aria "La ci darem la mano" z opery "Don Giovanni"
Antonin Dworzak: Taniec słowiański e-moll op. 46
(Please check program updates at the concert)

*此演出为“2017中国-中东欧国家文化季项目”。