The Paderewski Music Society

honors the legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, not only the most celebrated concert pianist of his time and composer, but also a leader in the Polish fight for independence after World War I and the nation's prime minister. Paderewski edited Chopin's scores for publication and is known as THE person who brought Chopin's works to light as he performed around the world and particularly in the U.S, where he was one of the biggest box-office attractions of his time. Year after year people traveled for hundreds of miles to hear him. His arrival in even a small town sparked celebrations, mayors' speeches, brass bands in renditions of his Minuet in G. In his later years, he resided in Paso Robles, California, and died at age 80 in New York in 1941.

History

The Paderewski Music Society in Los Angeles, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, was established in 2008 by a group of prominent musicians and music lovers alike to uphold the legacy of the great Polish pianist, statesman and philanthropist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who throughout his life was deeply engaged in the promotion of music and culture and its all-important place in society.

Since its inception, in addition to having organized that four international piano competitions, the Society has sponsored concerts, piano recitals, masterclasses, fundraising events and film screenings. The roster of world-class artists presented included well-established names as well as the most promising members of the younger generation and included Lee Kum Sing, John Perry, Piotr Kosinski, Hubert Rutkowski, Xiayin Wang, Andrew Yang, Zheeyoung Moon, Adam Wibrowski, Edward Wolanin, Peter Toth, Gloria Campaner, Dmitry Rachmanov, Gloria Cheng, Kamil Pacholec and Wojciech Kocyan.

Most recently, the Society established a scholarship fund to aid in the education of most deserving young pianists.