Returns

Unique compositions inspired by elements of Balkan music, included in classic arrangements for piano solo, 4 hands and two pianos.

About project

Returns and inner journeys concern each of us, the returns to what is safe, beautiful, to all those moments that are deeply remembered, to people who cannot be forgotten, to places that make us smile. Inner returns that enrich us, bringing joy and hope are the main idea of the project, and the music of composer Dariusz Janus, very personal in its dimension, fully reflects it.

The project “Returns” consists of personal journeys of the composer Dariusz Janus to Croatia and his inspiration with elements of Balkan music, its wealth of multicultural influences, and jazz music, presented in classic arrangements for solo piano, 4 hands and two pianos.

Aleksandra Hałat has been creating a piano duo with Agata Hołdyk for many years, presenting a wide repertoire both in Poland and abroad. During the concert, the audience will be able to experience multidimensional, multicultural music performed by two pianists: Aleksandra Hałat and Agata Hołdyk.

The uniqueness of the concert lies in the design of the repertoire, which is intended for piano solo, four hands and two pianos, and includes pieces such as:

Etude for 4 hands
Etude for 2 pianos
Cyber Waltz / solo
Jazz Waltz / solo
Easter waltz / solo
Preludes No. 1-5 / solo

Especially for the needs of the project, a stage design has been prepared – a light visualization which complies with the concert dramaturgy.

Dariusz Janus

A composer, arranger, producer, pianist; Ph.D. hab., a former lecturer at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice. In the years 1997-2020, he ran the composition and arrangement class at the Faculty of Jazz and Popular Music. Since 2017, as a university professor, he has been a lecturer at the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw.

He has collaborated with: Cz. Niemen, T. Nalepa, R. Eubanks, F. Gambal, H. Bullock and taken part in the Jazz Jamboree, Jazz Juniors, Jazz na Kresach [Jazz in Borderlands], the Soul and Gospel Music Festival, the Baltic Festival in Karlsham, as well as at the Song Festivals in Opole and Sopot.

He has given concerts, among other places, in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Sweden. He is a laureate of the special award of the Minister of Culture in recognition of his contribution to Polish culture.

AHHA Piano Duo

Is a blend of two energetic pianists’personalities – Agata Hołdyk and Aleksandra Hałat, who undertake a spirited musical dialogue, unfolding in many levels and in multiple styles, regardless of whether they play compositions for four hands or two pianos.

The common artistic vision, the result of the pianistic artistry of both artists, is present and clearly perceptible at every concert.

The pianists’ artistic achievements include prizes won in international competitions, among others: the second prize in Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition in new York (records contest – 2011), an award in International Piano Competition “Concours Grieg” in Oslo (Norway, 2010).

More projects

“Karol Szymanowski”

The stunning music of Karol Szymanowski in two versions for voice and piano, and for violin and piano.

“Through the eyes of a woman"

Concerts with a repertoire created by female composers from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries to show the beauty and power of female creativity in music.