"Stars of Polish music" - Zbigniew Wodecki on a postage stamp
The Polish Post has introduced the second postage stamp from the "Stars of Polish Music" issue. This time, it features the image of the late artist, one of Poland's most popular singers, Zbigniew Wodecki. The stamp will be released on May 6th of this year, commemorating the 72nd birthday of the artist and musical favorite of many generations, who died in 2017.
The stamp depicts Zbigniew Wodecki with a violin—one of the three instruments he played—and the artist's autograph. The photo dates from the period of his greatest popularity and recognition.
" Our latest stamp from the "Stars of Polish Music" issue, dedicated to the figure and talent of Zbigniew Wodecki, is a continuation of the series launched last year, which gained great recognition among our customers. This time, the hero of the stamp is once again a widely known and much-loved musician and vocalist. Who in Poland doesn't know "Pszczółka Maja" (Maja the Bee), "Zacznij od Bach" (Begin with Bach), "Izolda" (Isolde), or even "Chałupy"? I hope that our stamp will contribute to expanding the already large group of admirers of Zbigniew Wodecki's talent, " says Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
The issue was created in close cooperation with Zbigniew Wodecki's daughter, Katarzyna Wodecka-Stubbs, who runs the Zbigniew Wodecki Foundation.
"We are incredibly pleased that Dad's work and person are being recognized in such a wonderful and nationwide way. Zbigniew Wodecki, an extraordinary musician and wonderful man, deserves to be recognized among Polish artists; he will always be among us," says Katarzyna Wodecka-Stubbs, President of the Zbigniew Wodecki Foundation and the artist's daughter.
Zbigniew Wodecki began his musical journey at the age of 5. He graduated with distinction from Juliusz Weber's violin class. He played with Ewa Demarczyk, Marek Grechuta, and in the bands Czarne Perły and Anawa, among others. He was a violinist with the Polish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra and the Krakow Chamber Orchestra. He made his vocal debut in the 1970s. He is a laureate of numerous competitions and festivals. An instrumentalist, composer, and arranger, he also hosted the TVN music television programs "Droga do gwiazd" (Road to the Stars) and "Twoja droga do gwiazd" (Your Road to the Stars), and was a juror on the Polish edition of "Dancing with the Stars." His greatest, unforgettable hits include "Zacznij od Bacha" (Start with Bach), "Izolda" (Isolde), "Chałupy" (Chałupy), "Rzuć to wszystko co złe" (Through You, I Want to Watch the World), and "Pszczółka Maja" (Maya the Bee).
The presentation of the stamp, prepared in cooperation with the Zbigniew Wodecki Foundation, will take place during the "WODECKI UROCZYSTY" GALA – Wodecki Twist Festival 2022. This event will bring together friends and supporters of Zbigniew Wodecki's work from all age groups for the fifth time. This year, it will take place in person – on June 11th at the ICE Congress Centre in Krakow, rather than online, as in previous years. Alicja Majewska, Ania Rusowicz, Ralph Kaminski, Krzysztof Zalewski, Andrzej Lampert, Joanna Kulig, Maciej Musiałowski, Natalia Szroeder, Maciej Maleńczuk, and Sound'n'Grace have already confirmed their presence on stage. During the gala, you can hear interesting arrangements of Zbigniew Wodecki's most famous works, performed under the baton and leadership of conductor Tomek Szymuś. The previous, highly acclaimed editions of the event turned out to be a real musical hit.
About the stamp:
author of the design: Agnieszka Sancewicz
number of stamps: 1
sheet: 12 stamps
value: PLN 4.50
circulation: 168,000 pcs
printing technique: offset + UV
stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
fluorescent paper
date of introduction into circulation: May 6, 2022