Elisabeth Zapolska

Elisabeth Zapolska – opera singer and philologist, born in Warsaw into a Polish-Russian family, and established in France – has long been involved in the promotion of Polish culture and women authors. While studying French literature and applied linguistics at the Warsaw of Warsaw, she entered the Frederic Chopin State Conservatory of Music and obtained the first prize for opera singing. Her Parisian debut took place in 1987 at Radio France and was followed by engagements in numerous productions across Europe. Her constant search for new repertoires, her wish for the most varied vocal and scenic expression led her to create shows herself and to propose concerts which included works of less known composers. She is one of the founding members of the Association of Polish Musicians based in France. She is president of the Maria Szymanowska Society founded in Paris in 2009 on her own initiative and director of the international project Maria Szymanowska (1789-1831), a Woman of Europe. This CD has been released as a part of this project and contains in its program Songs never edited or recorded, especially those by Maria Szymanowska. In 2011, Elisabeth Zapolska accompanied by Bart van Oort on an 1825 Broadwood piano, recorded a world premiere of most of this composer’s vocal work. The CD was released in 2012 under the title Maria Szymanowska – Ballades & Romances.