The selection of Paderewski as the patron of the lectures held at USC highlights both his role in California and his connection to the University. This eminent composer-statesman received an honorary doctorate in 1923, from the School of International Relations at USC. During the event held at Bovard Auditorium, Paderewski made a speech, but did not perform; a music program was presented by an international array of artists. Participants in this celebration included USC deans and faculty, representatives of Polish-American Community; musicians and a patriotic organization called the Native Sons of the Golden West. The audience consisted of USC faculty members and students, diplomatic corps from L.A. area; journalists and the general public.

The annual Paderewski Lecture-Recitals highlight Paderewski's links to California and to the University. The PMC celebrates the memory of Paderewski by presenting the most distinguished and talented Polish composers of our times, who discuss their own music. This event spotlights the current achievements of Polish composers and musicians of international stature and brings them to the USC campus.

More information about the lecturers and programs of each year may be found below.

Annual Paderewski Lecture-Recitals
and Related Events

2002: Krauze 2003: Bruzdowicz 2002/2003: Paderewski Exhibit
2004: Skrowaczewski2005: Ptaszyńska2006: Zygmunt Stojowski
2007: Krzysztof Meyer / Paderewski Monument Unveiling2008: Wojciech Kilar2009: Henryk Mikołaj Górecki2010: Paderewski Sesquicentennial Celebration2010/2011: Paderewski - The Modern Immortal Exhibit Paweł Łukaszewski

On exhibit in the Alfred Newman Recital Hall Gallery, USC, Los Angeles
from 17 September 2002 - 31 May 2003.
For more information see Event Site.

Marta Ptaszyńska official photo.
For more information see 2005 Paderewski Lecture-Recital

Paderewski Recitalist, pianist Jonathan Plowright (right),
discusses Stojowski's music with the composer's sons,
Henry (center) and Alfred (left) Stojowski
after the Paderewski Lecture-Recital.
The Zygmunt & Luisa Stojowski Collection was donated to the PMC at this time
and the Stojowski Room was dedicated on the occasion (October 12, 2006)

2007: Krzysztof Meyer /
Paderewski Monument Unveiling

Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Janusz Reiter, shakes hands with
then-USC Provost Max Nikias [now USC President] during the unveiling of the
Paderewski Monument at USC (October 4, 2007)

2008: Wojciech Kilar

Conductor Sharon Lavery leads the ensemble in a program of works by Wojciech Kilar,
in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Poland’s Independence
and the 2008 Paderewski Lecture (November 10, 2008)

2009: Henryk Mikołaj Górecki

For more information see 2009 Paderewski Lecture-Recital.
For a review of the concert, see the October 2009 Polish Music Newsletter

2010: Paderewski Sesquicentennial Celebration

The 150th anniversary of Paderewski's birth was celebrated at USC on November 4-5, 2010
For more information in Los Angeles and Paso Robles see IJP @ 150

2011: Paweł Łukaszewski

Vocal and choral works by Paweł Łukaszewski presented on October 6, 2011
For more information see 2011 Paderewski Lecture-Recital

2012: Karol Szymanowski

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Karol Szymanowski’s death
with a recital by Mark Robson, piano and Timur Bekbosunov, tenor,
and a lecture by Maestro Grzegorz Nowak of the Royal Philharmonic (October 14, 2012)