The Pianist's protegée dies on his 100th birthday

The Pianist's protegée dies on his 100th birthday

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norman lebrecht

December 06, 2011

A Polish singer who made it in Vegas after being launched in Communist Warsaw by wartime fugitive Wladyslaw Szpilman died on Monday in Poland just as the country’s president was honouring her mentor’s centenary.

Violetta Villas (born Czeslawa Cieslak) was given her break on Polish Radio by Szpilman. In Vegas, she appeared on Frank Sinatra’s bill.  She also had a bit role in Paint Your Wagon. More here. And some video.

Violettavillas1967.jpg

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