“The great lady of Polish song, also known as the queen of swing, was born on July 13, 1924 in Biała. She died three years ago. She tied her entire life to our city,” wrote the city’s mayor, Jarosław Klimaszewski, on Facebook, inviting to a concert reminiscing about Maria Koterbska’s hits and adding photos with the monument.
Maria Koterbska with a bouquet of roses. The monument divided the residents
The bronze monument presents a full figure in an elegant dress, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hands. The dress is decorated with elements that refer to hits. There was also room for umbrellas. The author of the sculpture is Lidia Sztwiertnia, a sculptor from Bielsko-Biała, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw at the Faculty of Sculpture in the studio of prof. Bogdan Chmielewski. She received her diploma from the studio of prof. Stanisław Słonina and a medal annex from the studio of Zofia Demkowska in 1980. Marek Żebrowski is responsible for the cast. The monument was unveiled on the anniversary of the singer’s 100th birthday by Maria Koterbska’s son Roman Frankl and the mayor of the city Jarosław Klimaszewski.
The sculpture itself evokes extreme feelings. “A beautiful monument”, “And what a beautiful dress Mrs. Maria has! I see blue trams, Augustów nights, a carousel in Bielany. Mrs. Lidia Sztwiertnia has sculpted a real miracle” – some write with delight. Others are less satisfied, pointing out that the author’s vision differs from the actual appearance of Maria Koterbska. “I look and I can’t find any resemblance”, “Maria Koterbska had a beautiful face. Unfortunately, this monument does not reflect that”, “There has to be a signature of who it is supposed to be, because it could be anyone” – they note.
Bielsko-Biała is preparing a musical
One of the commentators is trying to draw attention to the fact that Sztwiertnia’s work was shown to the world by the singer’s son. “Surely if Mr. Roman Frankl was at the unveiling of the monument, he must have accepted it. He is smiling when he is with him. Let him experience this joy, and not just turn up your nose at everything that this, that sio. More joy,” he writes. Let’s add that Frankl is the author of the script for a musical dedicated to Maria Koterbska, which is to be performed at the Polish Theatre. The premiere is planned for the end of this year.
Proud of Koterbska, Bielsko-Biała named the Bielsko Cultural Center after her in 2019. Also, one of the roundabouts in the city commemorates the singer who sang songs such as “Karuzela”, “Brzydula i rudzielec”, “Augustowskie noce”, “Serduszko puka w rytmie cha-cha”, “Bo mój chłopa kutasie piłka”, “Parasolki” or “Do jującego szafy groszy wrzutć”.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
