Nostalgia, or music woven from emotions. An evening of beauty and farewells on the Costa Blanca
When the editors of a newspaper - that is, people who write for a living - say that something "cannot be described in words," it's a sign that something truly amazing has happened. On Sunday evening, the Polish community gathered in Santa Pola had the opportunity to attend a performance that escapes standard definitions. The concert with the ballet "Nostalgia" provided guests with an experience in which sound and movement melted into one, allowing them to almost tangibly "see" the music of Frederic Chopin.
This unique cultural event, organized by the Hispola Association in cooperation with the City Hall of Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola, had a doubly solemn and yet extremely moving character. In addition to the sheer delight of art, the evening became a moment to say goodbye to two exceptional women - Consul Nina and Consul Ilona of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Barcelona. Throughout the years of their diplomatic mission, they acted with great heart and empathy for the local Polish community, becoming the mainstay of many Polish initiatives.
Emotions in dance, or Chopin brought to life
The concert program, eloquently titled "Emotions that unite / Emociones en danza," led the audience through four magnetic acts: Youth, Dream, Poland and Revolution. An absolute synergy of two brilliant artists prevailed on stage. Behind the piano sat James Lipka - a Polish-British pianist and composer, whose interpretations of Chopin's Nocturnes, Etudes (including the powerful "Revolutionary" Etude) and Scherzo struck the tenderest chords of human sensitivity. His music was accompanied by the phenomenal Ailen Ramos - a professional classical dancer, an alumna of the prestigious Cuban Ballet School, who gave physical form to every sound with her dancing.
The subtlety of Ailen's movements, combined with James' virtuosity, gave classical pieces - from melancholy waltzes to the proud "Heroic" Polonaise - a new and profound expression. The audience absorbed the show with all their senses, and tears of emotion appeared in more than one eye.
A shared road full of beautiful memories
The evening also became a nostalgic trip back in time. The presence of the Ladies Consuls made everyone reflect on what a remarkable journey the Polish community on the Costa Blanca has gone through between 2023 and 2026. It is thanks to the openness and commitment of Ms. Nina and Ms. Ilona, as well as the support of the Polish Consulate in Barcelona, that the Hispola Association was able to create so many unforgettable events and moments that are permanently etched in the memory of the Polish community.
Our memories will always include solemn concerts, such as Chopin and Moniuszko's "DUSZA" and piano-operetta "IMPRESSIONS," but also moments of pure family joy - joint seaside caroling combined with a photo contest "Pole on the Costa Blanca," carnival balls full of energy and color, such as "100 Faces of FRIDA" and the mysterious "AGE OF HIDDEN SPOILERS," or joyful team-building events welcoming the summer. It was with their help that we cultivated Polishness during the Annual Independence Picnics and during the solemn celebration of Independence Day at the Polish Embassy in Madrid. It is impossible to forget fundamental matters: it was the Ladies Consuls who nurtured our civic identity by supporting the organization of local and presidential elections at the local area, and regular consular duty in Santa Pola was evidence of their great concern for the daily human affairs of the Polish community.
Words of gratitude from the Editor
As the editorial staff of Polska Costa, we would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts Consul Nini and Consul Ilona for their continued, selfless support of the written word and their help in promoting Polish culture in print form in Spain. Your kindness, openness to the Polish media and readiness to help in any situation have been a great help to us.
Sunday's concert showed that although a certain beautiful stage is coming to an end and we will miss you immensely, all that you have managed to create together for the Polish community on the Costa Blanca will remain an important part of the local community for many years to come, and in the pages of our newspaper your mark will remain forever.
