On The DL

Kosciuszko Foundation Summer Concert

by Deidre Wengen

Sun., Aug. 19, 3 p.m., $15-$40, Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, 215-752-9270, philadelphia.thekf.org

There's more to being Polish than pierogies. There's also kielbasa, sauerkraut and Karol Szymanowski. In celebration of the popular 20th-century composer's 125th birthday, the Sejm (Poland's parliament) has declared 2007 the year of Szymanowski. Not to be outdone, the Philadelphia chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation — an organization that supports Polish-American students — is dedicating its annual summer concert to him.

Honoring Szymanowski will be performances of his work by violinist Blanka Bednarz (pictured) and pianist Matthew Bengtson, who are also Szymanowski scholars. In addition to his music, the day will include discussions about his life and work as a composer. Although pierogies will not make an appearance, there will be plenty of pastries from local Polish hot spot Julia Bakery and Café, as well as a healthy dose of culture. "We talk about America as being a mosaic of cultures, and we try to highlight the Polish part of that," says Teresa Wojcik, chapter president. "We invite everyone to come to the concert — it's not just for the Polish community."