Antonina Kawecka's 20th Death Anniversary

Antonina Kawecka

Diva


Opera is a story. A story for those who are completely and unconditionally overcome by the magic onstage. A feeling is the strength of the opera story and opera theatre, of theatre also taken literally – as an edifice and the people working inside.
            There would be no Grand Theatre without a cast of excellent singers. It is diffi cult to name the best ones, but in one breath we list those who made its history: Marian Kouba, Jan Czekaj, Krystyna Pakulska, Aleksandra Imalska, Henryk Łukaszek, Stanisław Romański. And Antonina Kawecka.
            Antonina Kawecka began her solo career like a true opera dive. She debuted at the Silesian Opera with Santuzza’s part in Cavalleria rusticana, stepping in for her sick colleague. Adam Didur, the opera director at the time, did not hesitate to point at young Kawecka, who had barely been employed for two months: “Well of course, Tośka is going to sing it, she’s constantly standing offstage”.
            She remained “Tośka” until the end of her onstage career, called that way both by her dressing room colleagues and by her faithful audience – “our Tośka.” Over time, “Tośka” has gained a different meaning as well. She sang the part of Floria Tosca most often, winning the hearts of music lovers, and it is with this part that she bid farewell to the stage. But it was not Tosca alone. In the opera almanac of memories, reviews, and vivid anecdotes she also remained the unforgettable Carmen, the wonderful Aida, the moving Katerina Izmailova, and Halka. It is after recording that part that she started receiving numerous proposals of performing live and recording further.
            Twenty years ago, on October 6th 1996, Antonina Kawecka died. Wishing to commemorate the anniversary of the death of our outstanding Soloist, our Tośka – if we may, we hold all of this season’s performances of Halka to her memory. May the opera story last.

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