Exodus UK: David Pountney gets Polish passport
mainThe Polish president Andrzej Duda has granted citizenship to the English opera director David Pountney.
The award recognises his work on behalf of several polish composers.
Pountney, who has been director of English National Opera, Welsh National Opera and the Bregenz Festival, said: ‘Due to my close relationship with Polish culture in my professional life, I am proud that my new passport connects me with the country of Weinberg, Szymanowski and Moniuszko. I am also proud that I remain a citizen of the European Union, whose ideals I strongly support.’
More here.
This is lovely. Recognizing these ambassadors for culture is crucial in our ever-divided status quo.
For just a little more than 2000 Euros I could have gotten a Polish Passport too.
About The Passenger by Weinberg, the opera Pontney staged in Bregenz.
https://basiaconfuoco.com/2016/11/28/mieczyslaw-weinberg-the-passenger-english-traslation/
” I am proud that my new passport connects me with the country of Weinberg, Szymanowski and Moniuszko.”
Wow, and not with the country of Penderecki, Panufnik, Lutoslawski, Gorecki, Tansman, and Piotr Moss? Two countries for the price of one is the best passport deal.
Not to mention Chopin