A Polish Virtuoso in Liverpool: 'The celebrated Mr Yaniewicz'

Among the untold stories in Merseyside’s cultural history, one of the most remarkable is that of Felix Yaniewicz (1762-1848), a Polish-Lithuanian violin virtuoso and composer who arrived in Liverpool in 1799. Born in Vilnius, Yaniewicz had played in the Polish royal chapel from the age of fifteen. In 1799 Yaniewicz moved to Liverpool (by then a fashionable metropolis) where he married, raised his family, and founded a musical instruments business. He later moved to Scotland, where he is best known for his role in founding the first Edinburgh music festival in 1815.

Five years ago, the chance discovery of a historic piano over 200 years old, bearing Yaniewicz’s name and the address of his Liverpool business, prompted new research into his story, and led to an exhibition in Edinburgh in 2022 celebrating his musical legacy. The exhibition received over 10,000 visitors and was featured on BBC Radio 3 and Poland’s TVP Kultura. The Chopin Institute in Warsaw is now embarking on a landmark series of recordings of Yaniewicz’s violin concertos, to restore his place in musical history.

Mr Yaniewicz's story will be shared by his great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Josie Dixon.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

1700

Location & directions

12 Church Alley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 3DD

Directions:

This event takes place at The Athenaeum in Liverpool which is members only club. The venue is opening their doors to the public exclusively to share the story of Mr Yaniewicz who was one of their members at the beginning of 1800's. Booking is essential.

Contact on day:

Dagmara

Telephone number:

+447454244421

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

This event is exclusive to Heritage Open Days. Due to venue nobility there is limited number of tickets available.

Booking contact name:

Dagmara

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/966832801937?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

31 Jul 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

14 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Additional information

The Athenaeum is a historical venue in Liverpool founded in 1797. This members only club was co-founded by William Roscoe.

Max no of people per tour:

30

Est. tour duration:

3 hour(s)

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