On 11 November, the works of Polish composers Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Fryderyk Chopin were performed by the pianist Natalia Zaleska at the Malta Society of Arts. The selection of the program was deliberate, as the concert was intended to commemorate Poland's Independence Day.

The concert program included: I.J. Paderewski's works  Legenda op. 16 no. 1 and Sarabanda op. 14 no. 2.  Natalia also played several works by Chopin including Polonaise op. 44;Polonaise in G-sharp minor op. post.; Polonaise in B-flat minor op. posth.;Polonaise-Fantasy op. 61; Fantasy op. 49

Paderewski's works took the audience into a world of lyricism and a poetic character, creating space for reflection and contemplation.

Chopin's Polonaises presented a dignified narrative about the spiritual strength and sense of freedom that accompany the Polish people.
The Polonaise in F-sharp minor, op. 44, combined a heroic, proud character with considerable drama, and in its middle section, stylized as a mazurka, it offered a moment of nostalgia in remembrance of Poland.

The two Polonaises op. posth., in turn, allowed the audience to experience Chopin in a more intimate, personal tone, somewhat like a page from a diary, where majesty intertwines with melancholy and personal reflections.

The Polonaise-Fantasy op. 61 added even more dreams, imagination, and personal reflection to the national dance. With greater expansiveness and nostalgic phrases, it alternated between evoking pride and nostalgia, as well as a longing for an unattainable ideal.

To conclude the concert, Fantasy in F minor op. 49 was performed, which can be seen as a summary of Chopin's life and his inner struggles - from joy to pain and hope.

This program was intended to present a journey through emotions and identity. From Paderewski, the artist who spread Polishness with dignity around the world, to Chopin, our symbol of beauty.