The Polish-Scottish Mini Festival in Aberdeen, now in its sixth year, has become a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. The festival, organized by the Polish Association Aberdeen, serves as a platform to unite the multicultural community of Aberdeen and promote Polish culture.
The festival typically kicks off with the Polish-Scottish Ceilidh, a lively dance party accompanied by folk Scottish music from ‘Danse McCabre.’ The event featured a blend of Polish and Scottish dances, including traditional Scottish ones like ‘The Flying Scotsman,’ ‘The River Jig,’ and ‘Orcadian Strip the Willow,’ all accompanied by delectable Scottish and Polish snacks and dishes, including the famous ‘haggis, neeps, and tatties.’
The festival also includes a thought-provoking exhibition titled ‘Who Are You?’ that invites visitors to ponder the concept of identity and what it means to be part of a different culture. This exhibition, which ran until the end of April, aimed to explore how we define our homeland and identity and how we shape our belonging as Poles living outside our country.
The concept of homeland and identity takes on different meanings for us, immigrant adults who have lived abroad for a long time, and for our children who may not define their affiliation as straightforwardly. The exhibition encouraged visitors to contemplate what unites them and how they shape their sense of belonging as Poles living outside their homeland.
The festival also features musical performances, and one such event was the jazz concert with local musicians, the ‘Matthew Kilner Quartet,’ along with their Polish counterparts, the ‘Musette Quartet.’ It was a remarkable collaboration of exceptional musicians, each contributing to a spectacular jazz fiesta.
Matthew Kilner, a local tenor saxophonist, brought his expertise to the stage, having graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The performances and arrangements were polished and captivating.
The ‘Musette Quartet,’ featuring Wiesław Prządka on the accordion and bandoneon, Andrzej Mazurek on percussion instruments, Zbigniew Wrombel on double bass, and Rafał Karasiewicz on piano, delighted the audience with their world-class music. Wiesław Prządka is the only performer in Poland to play the bandoneon, an Argentine instrument.
Another highlight was the concert by the dynamic and colorful artist Maria Peszek on the 18th of February at Lemon Tree. Maria, with her provocative and boundary-pushing music, has made a significant impact on the Polish music scene.
She has explored a range of artistic disciplines, from acting to writing, but it is her music that has truly defined her passion. Her music, often touching on controversial topics, has stirred public opinion and resonated with a broad audience.
The folk fusion concert on the 4th of March at Lemon Tree featured the ‘Iona Fyfe Trio’ and the Polish band ‘Kosy.’ Iona Fyfe, a folk singer from Aberdeenshire, has been recognized as one of Scotland’s finest. Her performances blend traditional folk songs and pop in the Scottish language.
‘Kosy,’ a Polish folk band, played songs mainly from Lower Silesia, using a variety of instruments, including harmonium, violins, and various percussion instruments, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Their performance showcased the power of music to bring people and cultures together.
The festival culminated with an exhibition titled ‘Loons & Quines O’Seaton,’ which opened on the 16th of April at Cruickshank Botanic Garden within the University. This exhibition, a social campaign showcasing the active Polish community in Aberdeen, aims to build a positive image of Poles in the city. It’s the second installment in the series after ‘Loons & Quines o’Torry in 2022 and features residents of Seaton and Old Aberdeen as its heroes.
The Polish Association Aberdeen, with its remarkable organization and dedicated members, has successfully orchestrated this festival. Every performance, from jazz to folk, from alternative to rock, and the photographic exhibitions depicting Polish life in Aberdeen, had something unique to offer.
As we archive the memories of this year’s festival, we express our gratitude to the Polish Association Aberdeen, the talented performers, and all who dedicated their time to participate in this initiative. Music, art, and culture have the power to unite and enrich people’s lives.
We are excited about the plans for the next edition in 2024. Stay tuned for updates by following the Polish Association Aberdeen and Polish-Scottish Mini Festival pages on social media.
