MAZOWSZE comes to the Lehman Center

(Bronx, NY) Direct from Poland, the internationally acclaimed MAZOWSZE comes to the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, as part of its North American 20-city, 60th Anniversary Tour. The troupe will perform on Saturday, December 11 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
 
The best way to experience the magic and magnificence of Mazowsze – The National Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland is to see them perform live. The world-renowned company will feature 90 dancers, singers and a full 23-member orchestra in a thrilling kaleidoscopic display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty.
 
The ensemble utilizes thousands of authentic costumes from 43 regions – carefully preserved and maintained for many decades. Some weigh as much as 30 lbs, making their energetic gravity-defying leaps, spins and lifts even more impressive!
 
In addition to the exciting folk dances and songs, Christmastime in Poland will feature Polish carols (kolędy).  Enchanting in melody, folk in origin, and indelible in memory, one of the most beautiful customs of a Polish Christmas is the singing of traditional and beloved kolędy. With over 500 recorded carols, Poland boasts a long and exquisite tradition of carols and pastorals, which are the heart of a Polish Christmas and not to be missed.
 
The company has presented over 7,000 performances in Poland and 50 other countries and is regarded as one of the world’s finest folkloric companies.
 
The incomparable Mazowsze (pronounced mah-ZOHV-sheh) whirl and leap, stamp and glide in a glorious outpouring of sound and motion, rhythm and music that celebrates the cultural legacy of Poland.
 
"There is nothing greater than Mazowsze!" – New York Times
 
MAZOWSZE will play for two shows on December 11 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - Bronx, NY. Ticket prices range from $30 - $45, and are currently on sale at: 718-960-8833  or www.lehmancenter.org.  Lehman Concert Hall is located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West on the campus of Lehman College in the Bronx.
 
For tickets and special group rates, call the Lehman Center box office at 718.960.8833 (Mon. through Fri., 10am-5pm and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert).  Tickets may also be purchased through 24-hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org.  Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd., and is right off major highways including the Saw Mill River Parkway, Henry Hudson Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway. Free attended parking is available.
 
Lehman Center is celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season and receives support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.  Special $10 tickets for children are underwritten by Con Edison.
 

About Mazowsze
Mazowsze was founded in 1948 by Tadeusz Sygietyński, a composer and ethnographer/archivist of Poland's folklore, with his wife Mira Zimińska-Sygietyńska, a famous actress/comedienne and cabaret performer. They dedicated themselves to preserve the rich music and dance traditions of Poland after the devastation of World War II, and sought out the remnants of existing folk culture. He researched the region for folk melodies and songs, and she focused on the costumes – searching for the old traditional ceremonial attire of the village folk. Students were chosen by audition for lessons in music and dance and a general education at a country estate outside Warsaw, where the company is still located. The aim of Mazowsze was to present traditional music and dance carefully adapted for the stage, with the performers wearing traditional Polish dress.
Sygietyński’s collection of folk music was the base of his original compositions, while the costumes were accentuated for the lights and distance of the theater and the choreographic element was heightened for stage design and effect.
Mazowsze made its American debut in 1961. The troupe has since toured the United States 11 times.