This wild, wild medley was written for the 2019 end of year student celbrations at my alma mater in Warsaw – the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music – that traditionally end with a big symphonic concert that half the school plays in. This year the stars aligned and I got to write for the legendary Natalia Kukulska who was the special guest of the evening. Three Polish Pop hits – two from the 80’s, and one by Natalia herself – arranged into this massive single medley for a giant orchestra: full symphonic forces with triple winds and saxophones, a massive percussion section, a rhythm section and SATB choir on top of all of that.
This is still one of my favourite things that I’ve had the incredible dumb luck to do, and I’m a little shocked it all came together and so well. Also Natalia is a wonderful person and skilled musician, and kudos to my classmate Zofia Kiniorska for conducting this monster so adeptly. You had to be there. Enjoy!