"Stars of Polish music" - Zbigniew Wodecki on a postage stamp
On June 10th of this year, in conjunction with the "WODECKI UROCZYSTY" – Wodecki Twist Festival 2022, the Polish Post officially presented a postage stamp from the "Stars of Polish Music" issue featuring the image of Zbigniew Wodecki in Krakow. The stamp, dedicated to one of Poland's most popular singers, was introduced on May 6th of this year, on the 72nd birthday of the artist and musical favorite of many generations, who passed away in 2017.
The issue was created in close collaboration with Zbigniew Wodecki's daughter, Katarzyna Wodecka-Stubbs, who runs the Zbigniew Wodecki Foundation. The stamp depicts Zbigniew Wodecki with a violin—one of the three instruments he played—and his autograph. The photograph dates from the period of his greatest popularity and recognition.
" Last year, Poczta Polska launched a new philatelic series, 'Stars of Polish Music.'" Within this series, philatelic items showcase artists who have had the greatest influence on Polish music. The star of the first issue was Krzysztof Krawczyk, and the second, this year, was the outstanding Polish artist from Kraków, Zbigniew Wodecki. Philatelic issues and patronage of cultural events are Poczta Polska's contribution to promoting national heritage, which undoubtedly includes our Polish musicians, whose works connect generations, " says Andrzej Bodziony, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
" 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).
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