Spirit

spiRit Mamaison Hotels & Residences — as individual as you!

01/2012

Warsaw – the phoenix city enjoy uefa euro 2012 Polish UNESCO World Heritage Treasures Celebrating Traditional Easter

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Dear guests and friends, With pride, I welcome you to our first 2012 edition of MM Spirit magazine.

That pride is about the great work and service our team members deliver to you, as you either visit us and stay with us or just come as a first time reader of this magazine. We love to welcome you and host you in our unique properties, be the purpose of your visit a weekend city break or business travel.

Most of our hotels are located in Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary. Poland, along with Ukraine are the hosts of the UEFA 2012 Football Championship. The kick off takes place in Warsaw, a „phoenix city“ with unbelievable history. When reading MM Spirit, discover not only the Polish capital, but the venues of the UEFA 2012 or UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well.

A challenging year of business recovery is behind us and we’ve been able to achieve very good results in all areas of our business. But first and foremost, we once again improved guest satisfaction in our hotels and residences, as measured in surveys as well as in publicly available online rating platforms.

Quite a few of our hotels have been voted to the top ranks in their respective destinations. Just to name few Mamaison hotels – Pokrovka in Moscow, Andrássy in Budapest or Pachtův Palace in Prague.

In what is perceived as an uncertain economic environment, we will continue to strive for excellence and be your reliable partner in providing personalized experiences when staying with us. As you travel, you will enjoy your stay at Mamaison as a constant and trustworthy element in a very volatile world.

Allow me to thank you for your loyalty and friendship. I do realize that you have the freedom of choice amongst many hotels and appreciate your decision to select Mamaison Hotels & Residences.

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Yours sincerely,

Christian Kettlitz Chief Executive Officer

03. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial 04. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel News 06. . . . . . . On Europe's Crossroads – Warsaw 09. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Warsaw

10. . . . . . . . Interview with Mikołaj Piotrowski 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Focused on UEFA EURO 2012 14. . . . . . . . . . . On the road – UNESCO Heritage in Poland

17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parkhotel Vienna 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Prague 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Moscow 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Budapest 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's up in Bratislava 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Easter – the time when girls get wet and whipped 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Best Taste 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brain twisters, Competition 32. . . . 20 questions for Agnieszka Tucharz

FOR Mamaison HotelS & Residences PUBLISHED BY: Boomerang Publishing, s. r. o., Nad Kazankou 37, 171 00 Praha 7 – Troja, Czech Republic tel.: +420 244 023 101, e-mail: info@bpublishing.cz, www.bpublishing.cz EDITORIAL BOARD: Gabriela Bergerová, Linda Nejezchlebová, Veronika Nováková TEXTS: Linda Nejezchlebová and Mamaison Hotels & Residences ADVERTISING: Marek Hammerschmied, e-mail: marek.hammer@bpublishing.cz, tel.: +420 774 075 614 The publisher is not responsible for the content of advertisments.

Mamaison Hotels & Residences is a unique collection of 10 hotels in Central and Eastern Europe, all being members of the Worldhotels portfolio.

hotel news

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Mamaison

hotel news

— Luxury masks in Prague's Pachtův Palác boudoirs

Mamaison Hotels & Residences News

PHOto: Archiv Carnevale Praha © Triglaw Corp s.r.o

Mamaison´s Prague New Assets At the beginning of the year, new colleagues joined the Mamaison Hotels & Residences Prague team.

Marek Chmátal brings his skills to Mamaison, along with knowledge gained in 15 years of working in hotel operation and management. Marek began his career in Prague´s Atrium and Corinthia hotels, where he was responsible for the MICE segment. Later he was member of the pre-opening team as Director of Sales and Marketing at Clarion Prague Congress Centre. Before coming to Mamaison, he worked at Park Inn in Prague and Zurich. At the Mamaison Hotels & Residences, Marek is challenged by the position of Global Key Account Manager, making him responsible for global accounts of all Mamaison properties.

Pavla Möstlová, who was assigned as Cluster Revenue Manager, has great experience in Revenue Management, where she worked for ten years at the Four Seasons Hotels & Residences and Rocco Forte Collection. Pavla brings her priceless knowledge of the hotel industry, as well as an always positive approach to her work.

Tomáš Gregor began his career at Mamaison as Director of Sales. Throughout his career, Tomáš was very loyal to the Radisson Blu Carlton, where he spent an amazing eleven years. In his last promotion to Director of both Sales & Marketing, he was also responsible for the Park Inn Danube Hotel.

Luxury Masks in Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác

Happy Birthday to Mamaison Residence Belgická

Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác is a proud partner of Bohemian Carnevale, a week-long event during February that continues the old Czech tradition of allegorical festivities. Project Bohemian Carnevale celebrates human joy and gregariousness and is not only a colourful show of historical allegorical festivities, but primarily a laboratory of brilliant contemporary ideas, unique skills, sophisticated tastes and splendid creativity. The highlight of Carneval is its „Crystal Ball“, where guests wear luxury masks. The boudoirs where they change into Carneval attire were selected from among the rooms of the Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác. There, guests were offered the special services of hair-dressers, stylists and make-up artists.

The year 2012 has a special meaning to a special place.

Mamaison Residence Belgická celebrates its 10th anniversary of continuous operation, providing premium services at a splendid location for both short and long business or leisure accommodation. Furnished in an innovative Feng-shui style by renowned Czech interior designer Barbora Škorpilová, the residence offers airy, trendy and elegantly modern suites that allow guests to feel relaxed and pampered.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác and Hotel Riverside are frequently sought-after as venues for luxury magazine photo-shoots, TV and movie production. Their unique and stylish interiors attract local as well as foreign crews. Most recently, the hotel hosted photo-shoots of famous Czech celebrities and movie stars for the Marianne lifestyle magazine. Czech Television filmed a documentary there about Pavlina Němcová, top world model and Czech actress.

— Mamaison Residence Belgická celebrates its 10th anniversary

Mamaison Hotels & Residences News Toast to...Moët&Chandon The Lounge bar at Mamaison Hotel Riverside in Prague offers the most glamorous and seductive Moët&Chandon champagne. The Rosé Impérial distinguishes itself by its radiant colour, intense fruitiness and flamboyance on the palate. It reflects the diversity of three champagne grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier) to reveal the magic of the world´s most loved champagne. When tasting the delicate bubbles, notice the crystal glasses. Cheers!

support and financial aid for children and mothers with children from disfunctional families who are life or health-threatened, tortured or abused. Dúha gives them a room and provides with all necessary medical, social, legal and psychological cooperation free of charge. Mamaison employees brought Christmas presents to all the residents of the centre, knowing the clients´ current situation does not allow them to spend their special season with beloved family and friends or receive and give presents to each other.

TripAdvisor´s Choice

Opera Diva in Ostrava The National Moravian-Silesian Theatre arranged a new performance of the world renowned opera – The Makropulos Case, the famous Karel Čapek fantasy masterpiece featuring the world of opera divas, degenerated aristocracy and bourgeoisie. The lead role of femme fatale Emilia Marty was portrayed by soprano Eva Urbanová. With her electrifying stage presence and powerful voice, she is the acknowledged First Lady of the Czech opera. For nearly fifteen years she has been the top star at the National Theatre in Prague, in addition to her numerous performances abroad. Eva Urbanová enjoyed the hospitality of the Mamaison Business & Conference Hotel Imperial in Ostrava during her performance in the theatre.

The Mamaison Residence Izabella was again voted the TOP 3 Budapest hotel by TripAdvisor. For the past four years Residence Izabella maintained its position in TOP 5 Budapest hotels and continues to receive positive reviews from satisfied guests. Both Mamaison hotels in Budapest – Hotel Andrássy and Residence Izabella are mentioned in the TripAdvisor Budapest Guide as recommended places to stay. Both hotels have also been awarded the Hungarian Tourism Quality Award in 2012.

— Soprano Eva Urbanová as femme fatal in Ostrava

Resources business in several European countries. She speaks fluent English and communicates in French and Russian.

Beginning this year, Sandra Iwińska joined the Le Régina team as Director of Sales & Marketing. She is a great professional who combines both local and international experience gained at Radisson Blu hotels in Warsaw and Letterkenny (Ireland). Sandra divides her leisure time between sports and Russian literature.

Złota Tower: The Sail Reaches The Sky The construction of the final 54th floor of the luxury apartment tower at Złota 44 has just been completed, marking the completion of structural work. Orco Property Group invited business partners and Polish celebrities to the iconic skyscraper to celebrate the event. Mamaison Hotel Le Régina was the selected caterer of this stylish event and arranged a themed buffet for hundreds of guests. In keeping with Polish tradition, the event was marked by placing a decoration of branches and flowers at the top of the building to mark the completion. Złota 44 represents a new symbol of luxury in architecture, construction, interior design and services. The Złota 44 skyscraper, designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind, stands for the highest levels of luxury and rises nearly 200 metres, an outstanding construction and engineering achievement. The façade is a masterpiece of approximately 4,000 custom-made panels and bears the Złota 44 signature. Orco is the first developer to apply such a unique triple-glazed façade technology in Poland.

The timeless styles of interior finishes are influenced

by Art Deco, Asian and minimalist inspirations.

— Mamaison Residence Izabella voted the TOP 3 Budapest Hotel by TripAdvisor

Heavenly Treated Guest Joy in Children´s Eyes The Mamaison Hotel Imperial in Ostrava invited children from three local orphanages to spend an unforgettable evening during one of the last December days in the hotel´s banquet room. For the 9th year, hotel employees organised and prepared a programme with interactive games, competitions, disco, clown show, face painting and much more. A special appearance by the hotel´s bartenders taught over 70 children how to mix and decorate non-alcoholic drinks. Children performed as well, they sang songs, recited poems or entertained others by telling jokes.

Each child received a small present. The hotel employees look forward to welcoming them back during Christmas week in 2012.

When Wishes Come True Employees, guests and business partners of Bratislava´s Mamaison Residence Šulekova arranged a surprise for those in need. They decorated a Christmas tree with Christmas wishes and made them come true. They bought, packed and delivered Christmas presents for children and mothers in the “Dúha” (Rainbow) crisis centre in Bratislava. The crisis centre provides a year-round shelter, psychological

The award-winning hotel Andrássy in Budapest just initiated a new guest recognition programme called “Guest of the Day”. Every day one guest is chosen from the reservation system by the programme and receives a special surprise treatment from the hotel.

The guest is pampered from the moment of arrival until leaving the hotel. Upon arrival a special welcome drink is offered along with a personal welcome from the hotel´s general manger. If possible, the guest receives a free upgrade to a junior suite and special amenities are prepared in the room, such as mineral water, fruit basket and selected chocolates.

Le Régina Welcomes New General Manager and S&M Director Since January of 2012, Marzanna Rutkowska has assumed the position of General Manager of the boutique Mamaison Hotel Le Régina Warsaw. Marzanna’s experience in the hotel industry includes more than ten years with the ACCOR chain. Starting as the position of Human Resources Director Poland & Lithuania, then promoted to Deputy General Manager at Novotel Warsaw Airport in 2005, in 2006 she became the General Manager of Novotel Centrum Gdańsk Hotel. Since then, Marzanna operated her own consulting company specializing in the hotel and Human

— Pawel Oszczyk catering stylish event celebrating Złota 44

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PHOto: profimedia.cz , Mamaison HotelS & Residences

On Europe’s crossroads

warsaw

A historical town destroyed again during World War II, yet always risen and restored.

Discover the phoenix city, where Fryderyk Chopin´s music can be heard on every street.

F

rom a fishermen’s village to a modern vibrant town, Warsaw´s history dates back to the late 14th century when a new settlement was established on the banks of the Vistula River. Warsaw soon became the capital of Mazovia in the early 15th century. Later the city was attacked many times by foreign soldiers and was proclaimed the capital city of the Polish crown in 1815. Another hundred years saw Warsaw develop rapidly. Palaces, noble residences, museums, universities, theatres, restaurants, cafés and parks created a pulsing city. World War II and the massive bombings in 1939 obliterated most of the historical venues and sights, including the Royal Castle. After the war a reconstruction began, the results of which you can experience during your stay in a courageous city listed in the UNESCO´s World Heritage.

Warsaw as Polish Capital Warsaw was not always the Polish capital.

Kraków, a town on the Vistula river further south and closer to the Czech Republic´s border was the Polish centre of culture, education and the king´s seat for centuries.

It was the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1596. At the end of the 16th century the Polish capital was moved from Kraków to Warsaw when King Zygmunt Stary died.

His widow, Queen Bona and later the royal court of King Zygmunt III Waza, the clergy and gentry moved to Warsaw. Warsaw´s dynamic development and prosperity began, but lasted only until 1655 when the city suffered the Swedish invasion. The Swedish army plundered much of the city, its palaces and wealthy residences were left in ruins. Many outstanding pieces of art, libraries, and furniture were moved to

— Warsaw's city centre is enscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List

The Golden Age When the Swedes left, the Polish people took a deep breath and Warsaw began to prosper again. The reign of the last Polish king, Stanislaw August Poniatowski, made Warsaw into a modern city. This period is

Warsaw district on the right bank of the Vistula River) at the hands of the tsarist General Suworow and his soldiers. In 1795 Poland was partitioned and disappeared off the map of Europe for 123 years.

Warsaw fell under Prussian rule and was reduced to a provincial town.

Despite its loss of independence, Warsaw was growing rapidly. Elegant buildings and notable palaces were erected at that time, such as the Wielki Theatre, Staszic Palace and Belvedere Palace.

— There are over 80 parks in the city, covering 8 % of its area

marked by the construction of the Łazienki Palace, the National Theatre and Cadet School, which was designed to provide the reformed state with well-educated military and civilian personnel. In 1791 a Constitution as a basis for a democratic state was adopted at the Royal Castle. It was the first in Europe and only the second modern-style civil law in the world, after the American Constitution.

However, the main objective of the Polish parliament - Great Seym sessions was to protect Poland from its neighbors, Russia, Prussia and Austria. The enactment of the 3 May Constitution and reforms designed to empower the state, triggered a Russian military intervention.

In 1747 the doors of the world’s first public library, the Załuski Library opened to the people of Warsaw.

In response, in 1794 Poles fought back and launched the Kościuszko Uprising, which ended in surrender and the massacre of the civilian population of Praga (the

Founded in 1816, Warsaw University had five faculties, including medicine, law, theology, philosophy, fine arts and science.

Rebellious schemes of secret patriotic movements were first forged in Warsaw.

These ideas led to two more national revolts and attempts to wrest back freedom; the 1830 November Uprising and 1863 January Uprising. Even so, the intensified political and cultural oppression failed to halt the economic development of the city.

Suffering during World Wars At the end of World War I, Poland again gained its independence and Warsaw once again became the capital. Poland was one of the first countries in the world to grant women the right to vote and in 1919 the first women became members of the Polish Seym. The defeat of the Red Army during the Polish-Soviet War by Polish troops in the great Battle of Warsaw in 1920 stopped the threat of communist expansion to Western Europe. That battle, also known as the Miracle at the Vistula, is considered by historians as one of the most historic battles determining the world’s destiny.

The inter-war era 1918-1939 was a period of rapid urban development. New buildings were constructed, streets paved with asphalt, projects for the underground

top 5 TIPS for visitors

Sweden. In the 17th century a column was placed in the centre of the Castle Square in honor of King Zygmunt III Waza. Since the 15th century, Warsaw has been the base of the Dukes of Mazovia.

TOP 5 in warsaw New Town – The 600 year old New Town merged with the rest of the city in 1791. The New Market Square is the quarter´s centre.

New Town is also called the Town of Churches, as eight of them are located there within sight of St. Casimir´s Church.

Old Town – The area of Old Town is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main square, Market Square features beautiful architecture as well as the symbol of Warsaw´s coats of arms, the Little Mermaid “Syrenka”. The Gothic style St. John´s Cathedral is the oldest church in Warsaw and was built in the 1400s. The Polish kings were coronated and the last Polish king is buried there.

Jewish Ghetto – Jews lived in Warsaw since the 14th century. The Ghetto was completely destroyed during World War II and is rebuilt.

The Nozyk Synagogue (from 1902) was built by an unknown architect in neo-Roman style. During WWII it was used as a stable and it is the only synagogue that survived the war. The oldest Jewish cemetery – The Brodno Jewish Cemetery (from 1799) was destroyed in the war.

The largest cemetery – Okopower St. Jewish Cemetery (Gensha Cemetery) holds 250,000 people buried in 200,000 graves. Mass graves for 300 victims of the Nazis can be found there.

Royal Route – The Royal Route leads through places of historical importance from the Old Town to the palace in Royal Łazienki Park and Wilanów Park. Along the route you may admire several churches and residences, palaces, squares, a university and the seat of Government and the President.

There are galleries, cafés and shops where you can stop and rest. Łazienki Park – In the Łazienki Park (Bath park) you can visit the private bathing house of Stanislas Lubomirski, who enjoyed bathing there at the end of 17th century.

Later it was remodeled by its new owner, the last Polish king (r.1764-95) and hence known as the Palace on the Water. The park once contained a zoological garden.

metro designed. Warsaw was a multinational city with 1.3 million inhabitants. 30% were Jewish and nearly 3% were Ukrainian, Belorussian, and German.

One month after the German invasion, Warsaw was forced to capitulate in September 1939. German terror was met with determined Polish resistance.

DID YOU KNOW? The tallest The tallest structure, the Palace of Culture and Science is the 7th tallest building in the EU.

Sweet Try “Pączki”, traditional doughnuts filled with rose jam have been a favourite since the middle-ages.

Library Warsaw holds the distinction of opening the world's first public library in 1747.

Green city Royal Baths Park is Warsaw’s largest and most beautiful park, laid out over 300 years ago.

The Warsaw Jews were the victims of repressions. Warsaw was one of the world’s most significant Jewish centers. At that time, there were hundreds of Jewish schools and libraries, as well as theatres, sport clubs and newspapers specifically for the Jewish population.

In 1940, more than 450,000 Jews were crammed without mercy within the walls of a tiny Ghetto area. The Polish wanted to take over power from the Germans in Warsaw before the Red Army entered the city. Despite a huge enemy advantage, the 1944 uprising lasted 63 days. It was one of the bloodiest episodes of the war.

The surrender by Polish forces was signed on 2 October 1944, after which the Germans ordered the inhabitants to leave Warsaw and the city was destroyed. By the end of World War II only one out of ten houses, monuments and churches had survived in the city. Not one bridge over the Vistula River was left standing and there was no electricity or water.

Mamaison Hotel Le Régina Warsaw Located in a historic palace in Warsaw´s picturesque and romantic New Town, Le Régina is a true oasis offering an intimate atmosphere in an elegant and sophisticated boutique style hotel. It happens to be the first and only hotel in this quaint and prestigious part of the city.

Close to the hotel a number of historic sites and cultural venues are located including the Royal Castle, the National Opera House, Umschlagplatz, the famous Old Town Square and Palace of Culture.

Milk bars The Great Reconstruction When the Russians entered Warsaw in January 1945, a half-century of Soviet domination began. Ruined houses were fixed, new ones built, remaining historic areas carefully restored and people moved back. The change of regime in 1989 meant further transformaWarsaw tion into democracy. The Solidarity movement took over power, free Warsaw (Polish: Warszawa, Warschau elections were held and Poland in German) is the Polish capital and became integrated into the Western largest city. Poland is a member of the structures of NATO and the European Union and presided over the European Council in 2011. Location: European Union. Foreign direct in52°13 N, 21°00 E and on average 100 vestments were the most substantial metres above sea level. Situated in the in the region and the Warsaw Stock east-central area of the country on the Exchange started trading.

Vistula River, on the Masovian Plain Warsaw today is a vibrant, young and about 260km from the Baltic Sea, and dynamic city with an impresWarsaw has approximately 1,7 million sive skyline where many cultural inhabitants, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of events take place and unforgettable over 2,6 million. experiences are gained. The Praga district attracts visitors with gallerWhen visiting Warsaw expect a humid ies, cultural centers, bars and clubs. continental climate with cold winters (average temperature in January is A packed cultural calendar invites -6 °C) and mild summers reaching 30 °C. visitors to listen not only to music, but see numerous collection of art www.um.warszawa.pl in museums and galleries. Warsaw’s architectural development continues, with residential complexes, shopping and business buildings as well as skyscrapers from international icons reaching toward the clouds.

Warsaw is a shortlisted candidate for the European Capital of Culture’s 2016 title. c

basic info

Bar mleczny was created in the sixties to serve cheap meals based on milk products.

In the 18th century palace that was probably the residence of the Royal Family’s Chef Zettner, there are sixty-one custom designed, air-conditioned comfort and airy rooms and suites on three levels, all fitted out with modern, high-tech amenities. The elegant and spacious rooms in natural shades of brown and vanilla are uniquely adorned with hand-painted frescos in antique floral patterns and decorated with Italian custom-made wood furniture. The bathrooms are designed in a tasteful contemporary style, outfitted in pale sandstone and authentic Venetian glass mosaic.

A quiet courtyard garden with a water fountain offers a relaxed atmosphere. The lobby and lounge welcome visitors with a natural fireplace. In the wellness area you can renew energy for your body and mind with a swimming pool, massage room and sauna.

Traditional Polish hospitality greets you when entering La Rotisserie Restaurant, with savory flavours and aromas, along with the natural gifts of our local fields, meadows and forests. The signature menu by Chef Paweł Oszczyk is based on his French and Italian cuisine, with a delightful Polish touch. On the romantic summer Patio, fresh seasonal specialties are offered.

Major cultural events Spring 2012

Exhibition: The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci Living in the Renaissance Era, Leonardo da Vinci was a genius, the achievements of whom have always evoked admiration and appreciation. Leonardo: enigma of the universe!, Leonardo: genius visionary!

The organizers of the exhibition find two characteristics of Leonardo da Vinci exceptionally interesting: the versatility of his undertakings and his brave thinking.

The former does not allow simple, clear-cut labeling of the master, be it as an artist, scientist, engineer or philosopher, as in his never-ending activity, he blended all of the above. Apart from his comprehensive education, the genius of Leonardo da Vinci was plain to see in his ability to think innovatively, advance cutting-edge theses and present pioneering solutions.

Many of his artistic and scientific achievements were several hundred years ahead of their time.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki, pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw June – August, 2012, www.pkin.pl

The Copernicus Science Centre

150 tailor-made costumes! The mixture of unique and original personalities from the heart of Cuba, amazing performances, authentic stage design & awesome video projections will infect you with the irresistible Cuban temper and humour.

Sala Kongresowa, Plac Defilad 1, Warsaw April 11, 2012, www.makroconcert.com

The Biblical Parables The new production by the Polish National Ballet proposes a moment of shared reflection on selected biblical themes. Sergei Prokofiev’s The Prodigal Son takes its story from the parable in the Gospel of St. Luke. Characters from The Book of Genesis keep returning to the ballet stage. There was once a famous choreographic adaptation of Cain and Abel, staged in West Berlin by Kenneth MacMillan, for which the Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik put together the music from his symphonic works. Choreographer Emil Wesołowski has decided to follow the same path. However, he is proposing his own version of the age-old myth, with a slightly different selection of Panufnik’s music. Another new piece complementing the evening is Jacek Przybyłowicz’s ballet Six Wings of Angels in which the choreographer intends to poetically refer to yet another biblical message, with the help of great Baroque music.

Pasion de Buena Vista Hot rhythms, delicate dances, exotic beauties and unforgettable melodies will take you on a journey through exciting Cuban nights!

Discover the impressive voices of Mariela Stiven and the legendary 77-year old Pachin Inocente, accompanied by an 11 piece Orchestra, 6 fascinating dancers, 3 ambitious background singers and including some

Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop – and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, the American Thomas Lauderdale founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks.

Sala Kongresowa, pl. Defilad 1, Warsaw May 23, 2012, www.goodmusic.pl

Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1, Warsaw April 14, May 6, 2012, www.teatrwielki.pl

Le Rossignol (The Nightingale)

Sonisphere Festival 2012

This is actually a choreo-opera, aiming to delight with both its music and the beauty of its movement, color and choreographic gesture. This performance by the Mariinsky Theatre, presenting uniquely stunning visual images and perfect performance, has been a permanent item in the great theatre’s repertoire for many years. Stravinsky was the inventor of the themes for many of his stage pieces and the joint or sole author of the librettos. The story of the marvellous bird whose wondrous song entertained, moved, and healed people is an excellent expression of this concept’s core idea. “And the nightingale sang so beautifully that tears came into the emperor’s eyes, and when they flowed down his cheeks the nightingale sang even more delightfully, and it went straight to his heart,” wrote Hans Christian Andersen in his fairy tale.

Experience spring from the roof. Discovery Park was inspired by the Vistula landscape. There are incredible installations awaiting visitors in the greenery, interpreting the origins of sound and music. Astronauts’ signpost will show you where to go on this galactic journey. The Whisperers will help you to compose a concert of birds warbling and peals of thunder. On your walk in Discovery Park you will be able to take a look to the outdoor gallery or to listen to a concert, while at the same time enjoying the Vistula landscape.

Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20, Warsaw www.kopernik.org.pl/en/

Pink Martini

Poland will get its own Sonisphere again when the Europe-touring rock festival comes to Bemowo’s Airport in Warsaw on Thursday 10th May. The headliner on the one-day festival is Metallica which will play their legendary “Metallica” a.k.a. The Black album in its entirety, among other songs. Other confirmed acts: Metallica (Headliner), Black Label Society, Gojira and Polish bands: Acid Drinkers, Hunter, Luxtorpeda.

Lotnisko Bemowo, Warsaw May 10, 2012, Sala Kongresowa, Plac Defilad 1 www.livenation.pl

Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1, Warsaw May 26 – 27, June 1 - 2, 2012, www.teatrwielki.pl

WHAT'S UP

warsaw concerts

PHOto: www.kopernik.org.pl, Profimedia

What's up in

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INTERVIEW

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We all are the hosts

euro 2012

PHOto: Cyfrasport, UEFA.com, profimedia.cz, Mamaison HotelS & Residences

Because of the experience and knowledge gained as UEFA EURO 2012 co-host, modern arenas will help Poland to apply for organising other big sport events.

When designing the stadiums, were the “best practices” from other international constructions of sport venues taken under consideration?

All stadiums built in Poland for UEFA EURO 2012 were designed as „Elite” class.

They meet all UEFA requirements regarding quality of service and security for sport fans. None of the stadiums is specifically designed for EURO 2012.

They were all designed as multi functional arenas for sports, cultural, entertainment and business events, such as concerts, corporate use, trade fairs or weddings.

Thanks to this, they will be used more often throughout the year and available for entertainment events as well as sports.

From the business point of view, that helps all companies managing stadiums to generate income and cover maintenance costs.

So far Poznań, Warsaw, Gdańsk and Wrocław have hosted multiple events that include concerts, boxing and motorbike shows for up to twelve thousand spectators, proving a wide variety of business opportunities for these modern sites.

Modern Polish stadiums used as multipurpose arenas are necessary beyond the 2012 football championships. The sports infrastructure existing thus far in Poland was outdated and provided neither a venue for big, prestigious sport events nor guaranteed the needed Polish sports development. Thanks to EURO 2012 investments, the Polish infrastructural base will be one of the best and most modern in Europe.

How many fans and visitors do you expect during the championships? What will Polish tourism and the economy gain?

The precise number of visitors we anticipate during the group level of the Tournament in Poland is currently under evaluation. Additionally, the possible scenario for quarter and semi finals will be estimated as well. The total number of the

— The illumination consists of 1584 light-emitting red and white LED diodes — 23 965 applicants wished to become the volunteers

football fans and visitors arriving in Poland during UEFA EURO 2012 will reach 700,000 up to 1,600,000 people.

This Tournament will definitely bring profits to Poland.

What service levels will be delivered to the visitors, both tourists and sport fans, during EURO 2012? How will Poland

prepare for hosting so many foreign sports enthusiasts?

In the final stage of preparations we pay close attention to the quality of service delivered to visitors and foreign tourists.

During EURO 2012 we will have 3,000 volunteers working in four Host Cities.

Their main task is informing foreign tourists on public transport, routes to the stadium or city and regional tourist attractions. They will be working in the most important tourist areas, i.e. airports, railway stations, stadium areas, tourist sites, as well as the primary traffic points such as main crossroads and public transport stations, etc.

PL.2012 and its partners will conduct a special social project within EURO 2012, themed „Voluntary work, Join in!”. Its aim is to support unemployed people with

The increase of foreign tourists spending will be over 700 million Polish Złoty. for all sports fans and tourists arriving in Poland and it offers: all possible transport tickets including municipal, railway and air, including medical insurance and hotel room reservations. Each supporter can create this product according to his needs and buy one service (i.e. transport tickets) or acquire the whole package. After personalizing the product it must be printed, which is very easy on-line and in advance, becoming valid when presented along with a passport.

Transport tickets within the Polish Pass include most of the public transport connections. For example, in Warsaw these are trams, buses, underground and the

Polish preparations for Euro 2012 are coordinated by PL.2012, special purpose entity of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism. In these preparatory works the company collaborates with 173 partners. Never before have such a great number of institutions been involved in any preparatory or organisational actions carried out in Poland.

11 INTERVIEW

training and internship that will allow them to gain experience and find a job. The target groups are: young people 15-27 years old, 50+ and disabled people. They all take part in: guest’s service trainings, English and German classes, organization of leisure time, information and security personnel duties, mass events security regulations, paramedics, tourist information. They may also take part in driving courses and learn to prepare themselves for a recruitment process. The total number of all participants of the trainings in 3 voivodeships (Wielkopolskie, Pomorskie and Dolnośląskie) is 430 persons. The above projects are conducted thanks to EU funds.

Finally, on 5th December 2011 Poland announced a unique offer and presented two innovative products related to mass sport events, which are: Polish Guide and Polish Pass.

Polish Guide (www.polishguide2012.pl) is a free of charge on-line guide available in 6 European languages focused on Poland and its services. It delivers detailed information on: Polish Host Cities, public transport, tourist attractions, regional customs etc. It is integrated with all maps showing the routes and time allowed when using all possible means of transport. Polish Guide allows for very individual set-ups. The user simply uploads his country of origin and the name of the team he supports, then receives all information and attractions related to his preferences; i.e. a sports fan from Spain will receive all information from Gdańsk, where his team will play in the group stage of the Tournament.

Polish Pass is an integrated product

pl.2012

pl.2012

Mamaison Residence Diana The upper midscale Mamaison Residence Diana is located in Chmielna, a beautiful and prestigious part of Warsaw’s city centre. The historic Diana Passage is nearby with numerous charming buildings. The Residence itself is set within a restored 19th century building, typical of this elegant area. Because of its excellent access to public transportation, it is an ideal base for discerning business and leisure travellers. The residence offers 46 uniquely

— Mikołaj Piotrowski, PR Director PL.2012

suburban railway. In Gdańsk these include: buses, trams and all railways connecting between Tricity (Gdynia, Gdańska and Sopot). The price of the ticket is the same in all Host Cities: 12 PLN per person per day.

Polish Pass provides an opportunity to acquire railway tickets not only between Host Cities, but covers the whole of Poland.

There are 2 offers available: for demanding travelers who require comfort (PKP Intercity) and for travelers looking for the best price (Przewozy Regionalne). The tickets are available in 3 options: 3 day long, 7 day long and 27 day long.

Polish Pass also offers hotel reservations. Altogether the four Host Cities offer 400,000 lodging places while the Polish Pass: 150,000 beds.

Polish Pass makes the lives of sports fans much easier and their only concern need be the result of the game. This offer is unique and has never been offered to supporters before. Behind the idea of both the Polish Guide and the Polish Pass is PL.2012, which is also responsible for coordination and implementation of the projects.

In each city, easily accessible fan zones will be set up. How many fans do they accommodate? What attractions will be available there?

In Poland, during Euro 2012, there will be 4 official fan zones in 4 Host Cities. The largest, accommodating up to 100,000

designed spacious suites in several categories. All suites have fully-equipped kitchens, high-tech facilities, trendy and comfortable furniture and large windows. There are two conference rooms in Residence Diana. Both are naturally lit and located on the ground floor of the hotel, making them convenient and accessible.

With space available for up to 20 guests, the residence also offers an excellent variety of business and banquet services. Residence Diana is an ideal destination for short or extended stays, either for leisure or business.

people, will be located in Warsaw at the Defilad Square in the heart of the city. In other cities, the fan zones will host up to 30,000 persons and will be located in: Poznan – Wolności Square, Gdańsk – Zebrań Ludowych Square, Wrocław – the Main Square and Solny Square. We plan many attractions: concerts, artistic shows, sport tournaments and public match viewing. The offer will satisfy both the sport fans and families, all able to spend a great time together in a fantastic atmosphere and a safe environment. c

PHOTO: www.uefa.com

Focused on

12

focused on

UEFA European Football Championship 2012 From kick-off in Warsaw, Poland on June 8th to the final match in Kiev, Ukraine on July 1st, football will over-rule Europe for one month. Millions of football fans will gather to support their favourite teams and players and watch their struggles on eight venues across Poland and Ukraine, the championship hosts. The eighth and final UEFA EURO 2012 venue was unveiled on Sunday January 29th as thousands of people attended a music festival to celebrate the opening of the National Stadium Warsaw.

Warsaw Located on the eastern banks of the Vistula river in the district of Praga Poludnie, the 50,000-seat National Stadium Warsaw lies on the site of the old Tenth Anniversary Stadium, which had stood since 1955 and was partly constructed using rubble collected from the site of the Warsaw Uprising.

Primarily a football stadium, it also hosted athletics and cycling and, in 1983, Pope

Gdańsk "The most beautiful stadium in Europe" according to Poland boss Franciszek Smuda, the Arena Gdańsk dazzled on its international debut and almost brought a historic win. Located in Gdańsk's Letnica neighbourhood, the 40,000-capacity arena cer-

tainly leaves a lasting impression. Situated in the middle of a triangle formed by the Old Town, the famous shipyards and the airport, the venue's curved 45,000 square metre exterior consists of 18,000 plates designed to resemble amber, which has long been extracted along the Baltic coast.

The multi-functional venue, which took two and a half years to construct, includes a hotel and roller skating circuit.

star Sting, backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The Municipal Stadium, scene of Spain's 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship

triumph, hosted its first senior international on 17 November, 2010 as Robert Lewandowski helped Poland to a 3-1 win against the Ivory Coast.

Wrocław Poland's third UEFA EURO 2012 venue - the Municipal Stadium was officially opened with a George Michael concert

Poznań Close to the city's airport, the Municipal Stadium is renowned for its excellent atmosphere. Renovation work began in 2003 to briefly make it the biggest club ground in Poland before the completion of EURO venues in Wrocław and Gdańsk. The renovated stadium was opened in September 2010 with a concert by British rock

gdaŃsk

John Paul II celebrated mass for a congregation of 100,000. It held its last international that year, then falling into disrepair and since 1989 had been home to a bazaar.

Designed by JSK Architekci, the company behind the Municipal Stadium Wrocław, its red-and-white facade resembles a waving Polish flag.

poznaŃ

wrocŁaw

in September, 2011, a week after hosting the world heavyweight boxing title fight between Vitaliy Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek. Constructed near the Sleza river and connected to the city centre by a new tram line, the stadium's shape resembles a Chinese lantern. The stadium, with 40,000 seat capacity, was built as part of a complex including warsaw offices, conference halls, a fitness centre, casino and the museum of local favourites Śląsk.

More information: www.uefa.com/uefaeuro

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PHOTO: profimedia.cz, Mamaison HotelS & Residences

Outstanding UNESCO Heritage

in poland

Thirteen outstanding and unique sites of across Poland have been admired for generations. From houses and cathedrals to salt mines and forests, discover them all!

C

ultural and natural heritage sites inspired us for centuries and today we enjoy and preserve them for future generations. Places named on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List are unique and diverse. Cultural sites hold great historical, aesthetic, archaeological, scientific, ethnological or anthropological value, while natural heritage sites refer to outstanding physical, biological and geological formations, habitats of threatened species of animals and plants and areas with scientific, conservation or aesthetic value.

You can read about the Japanese Ogasawara Islands, the Walled City of Baku in Azerbaijan, the Bamyian Vally in

Afghanistan or Colombian Coffee Cultural Landscape. The first thoughts of preserving and protecting these unique cultural venues arose after World War I. But it was the decision to build the Aswan High Dam in Egypt that actually launched a UNESCO campaign to save the Abu Simbel temples that were destined to be flooded. Last year 25 sites were inscribed on the List and in February 2012 there were a total of 936 inscriptions. At this moment there are over 1500 sites in 162 countries on the Tentative List. For detailed information, search whc.unesco.org.

In Poland you will find thirteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first properties were inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1978. At that time, only the

— Kraków's Gothic St. Mary's Basilica is located in the Main Market Square

Kraków The historic centre, the Old Town for five hundred years was the Polish centre of political and economic life, as Kraków (location: 50°N 19°E) was the capital city.

In the city centre you will find the largest medieval square in Europe, the Market

Over 100,000 students study at twelve higher educational institutions, including the Jagiellonian University founded in 1364.

Square with St. Mary´s Basilica with one of the largest and most beautiful medieval altars in Europe. The Royal Castle on Wawel Hill is former seat of the Polish kings. The Royal Castle is a mixture of architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The largest and most valuable collection in the world, including more than 100 Renaissance arrases (Flemish tapestries) can be admired there. Kraków´s Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, was founded in the 14th century and has the world's

— The wooden church in Jawor was designed

by Albrecht von Sabisch

second most important group of Jewish historic buildings, after Prague's Josefov.

Centennial Hall The Centennial Hall (formerly People's Hall) is the latest Polish addition to the List inscribed in 2006. The hall was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the victory over Napoleon in the Liberation Wars of 1813-15 and is a historic building in Wrocław (location: 51°N 17°E). It was constructed by German architect Max Berg within 20 months (1911–1913). The reinforced concrete hall is a multi-purpose recreational building. The Hall had the largest dome in the world at its time, with a diameter of 65 meter (50% larger than the size of the Pantheon).

Oświęcim The network of German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, Auschwitz Birkenau is located close to Kraków (location: 50°N 19°E). The largest German concentration camp consisted of

— Every visitor must walk under an infamous sign „Arbeit macht frei“ (work makes us free)

three main camps and 45 satellites, some of them about 10 km from the main camp.

The camp's first commandant, Rudolf Höss

said during the Nuremberg Trials that up to three million people died there. The number was later revised to 1.3million, approximately 90 percent of them Jews. More than a million visitors come every year to commemorate the murdered victims of several nationalities and religion. The museum documents the life and work of the prisoners in films, photographs and objects.

A special documentary concerns the „Angel of Death“, Josef Mengele who made several brutal „medical“ experiments on prisoners. Walking through the cells and brick buildings where the victims lived and suffered is an unforgettable experience.

Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica in Silesia (location: 51°N 16°E) were named after the Peace of Westphalia of 1648 and are the largest timber-framed religious buildings in Europe. They symbolize religious tolerance, as the Silesian Protestants (Lutherans) were allowed by the Habsburgh Roman Catholics to build three Evangelical churches from wood, loam and straw outside the city walls, without steeples and church bells. The construction period was limited to one year.

The architect responsible for all three was Albrecht von Sabisch. He designed wooden buildings that had never before been seen in such complexity and size.

Old City of Zamość Zamość (location: 50°N 23°E) was founded in the 16th century by the chancellor Jan Zamoyski, who asked Italian architect Bernardo Morando to design an ideal city.

The city was well preserved with its Old Town, Great Market Square, Town hall, fortifications and buildings in the Renaissance style. It is believed to be a „Renaissance pearl“.

ON THE ROAD

twelve most important heritage sites in the world received this prestigious distinction.

Two of the thirteen Polish sites are shared with neighbouring countries – Belarus and Germany and six properties are on the Tentative List - Gdansk—Town of Memory and Freedom, Białowieża National Park (extension, modification), The Augustów Canal, The Dunajec River Gorge in the Pieniny Mountains, Royal Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia (extension to the Wieliczka Salt Mine) and the Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed in 1978 as one of the first twelve World Heritage sites. The site was later placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1989 and removed in 1998 due to the success of measures undertaken for their restoration and preservation. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, (location: 49°N 20°E) is in Wieliczka, a town close to Kraków. This world´s oldest continuously operating salt mine has been in active operation since the 13th century and it is believed to be the world´s 14th oldest company overall. There is a labyrinth of routes, 350 km in length, but only 2 km are accessible to visitors.

These visitors can admire chambers, corridors, chapel, altars sculpted in the rock salt.

15

— The Malbork Castle is the world's largest castle by area

basic info

Poland

(Polish: Polska), is the 69th largest country in the world. Located in northern part of continental Europe, it borders Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast. Poland with a population of over 38 million is the sixth most populous member of the European Union. Poland, a parliamentary democracy, is a unitary state made up of 16 voivodeships.

The Bialowieza Forest The Bialowieza Forest (Belovezhskaya Pushcha) is an ancient forest sharing the boader area between Poland and Belarus (location: 52°N 23°E). It is one of the last and largest primeval forests in Europe, with an average 126 year age of trees. It's the habitat of the European Bison, the continent's largest mammal that was already protected in 1538 by a document issued by King Sigismund I the Old. There are also 26 species of trees and 56 species of shrubs.

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork The Malbork Castle (location: 54°N 19°E), completed in 1406, used to be the headquarters of the Teutonic Order (German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders) and the largest Gothic medieval fortress in Europe, as well as the largest castle in the world by area. It consists of three wards surrounded by separate fortifications and occupies about 20 hectares.

There's also a museum with an amber collection. During World War II nearly 50% of the castle was destroyed.

Medieval Town of Toruń Toruń (location: 53°N 18°E), famous for its beautifully preserved and nearly intact 300 buildings, that were not only an important medieval trade centre, but the birthplace of Mikołaj Kopernik. The Gothic buildings include churches, a Town Hall and noble residences. The historic market place and surrounding streets are exactly as they were approximately 700 years ago. If you want to see a leaning tower visit the one in Toruń from the 14th century.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska This town close to Kraków is named after the religious complex (calvary) known

— In the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, surrounding hills and valley you can visit a monastery, and over 40 churches and chapels

as The Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park (location: 49°N 19°E) and was added on the List in 1999. The town is named after the open-air religious complex founded by the Governor of Kraków, Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, on December 1, 1602. The city itself was founded fifteen years later to provide accommodation services for visiting pilgrims.

The establishment of the Polish State dates back to the 10th century, when Christianity was adopted under the Piast dynasty and its ruler, Miesko I. The Kingdom of Poland was formed in 1025 and in the 16th century the Union of Lublin was signed, forming the Polish– Lithuanian Commonwealth. At the end of the 18th century Poland was divided among the Kingdom of Prussia, the Russian Empire and Austria. After World War I, Poland became independent, but only until the outbreak of World War II. During the war Poland was invaded by both the Germans and Russians. The dominance of the Soviet Union and the communist regime lasted until 1989.

Modern Poland, known also as The Third Polish Republic, is a member of the European Union and NATO structures and world economic organizations.

Many famous personalities were born in Poland: Mikołaj Kopernik, Fryderyk Chopin, Maria Skłodowska Curie, Roman Polański and Pope John Paul II.

Currency Polish złoty (ZŁ) Coins groszy: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Coins złoty: 1, 2, 5 Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200

Wooden Churches of Southern Lesser Poland The wooden (timber) church style of the region Malopolska originated in the late 16th century. The churches are built in Gothic style and the horizontal log technique. c

Parkhotel Vienna

In the heart of Beskid Mountains meets modern design with traditional chalets.

P

arkhotel Vienna, a sister hotel of Mamaison Hotels & Residences, is located in Bielsko-Biała, a city lying at the foot of Mt. Szyndzielnia in the range of the Beskid Śląski Mountains. Despite the vicinity of mountains, its architecture and style is associated with modernity and elegance.

The imposing, seven-story building of the hotel attracts attention with its glass facade and spacious entry. It has 113 comfortable rooms, which allows accommodating up to 266 guests at a time. Parkhotel Vienna offers four types of rooms, whose equipment and interior design corresponds to elegant European hotels and assures a pleasant and relaxing stay. The high quality of service was certified by a Gold Standard Certificate in Guest Service which is a prestigious award given to hotels characterized by professional service. To receive one a hotel must survive an audit, part of which is a visit by "a mystery guest". Parkhotel Vienna was awarded in February 2012.

Parkhotel Vienna is known in the region for organizing elegant and stylish banquets and company events. The hotel has not only five fully equipped conference rooms but also boasts a two-story Ball Room with a capacity of 300 guests. Due to its uniqueness, the Ball Room often holds fashion shows, the annual Miss Podbeskidzia Beauty Contest and parties accompanying star shows.

Parkhotel Vienna also offers exceptional cuisine. In the Imperial Restaurant guests may enjoy continental as well as traditional Polish cuisine. The restaurant’s strength is its dynamic menu, where the most delicious dishes are dictated by the seasons of the year and occasional events. Apart from the restaurants, there are also a Lobby Bar and Rabana Dance Club in the hotel. During the day the Lobby Bar attracts guests, tempting them with aromatic coffees and delicious deserts prepared in the hotel’s bakery. By night it becomes the place for less official business meetings. The Rabana Dance Club

— Parkhotel Vienna attracts with its glass facade and spacious entry

is an ideal place for private functions such as company events, stag nights and Hen parties or unforgettable birthdays.

To meet guest expectations, the hotel plans to open an entertainment center with a casino in the middle of 2012. It will be the first and the only Casino in Bielsko-Biała for guests who appreciate sophisticated entertainment in an exquisite atmosphere.

With a perfect location, all the necessary conference-gastronomic facilities and high quality of service, Parkhotel Vienna is a perfect place for both business meetings and holidays.

Next to the hotel there is also a mountain chalet in the regional style. The wooden building brings to mind Beskid inns, which are very popular in the region. Inside the Chalet there is a huge hearth where delicious highland delicacies are prepared.

In the hotel’s neighbourhood there are a modern outdoor swimming pool, routes for jogging, Nordic walking and cycling.

Bielsko-Biała offers so many cultural events and such good entertainment that even the most sophisticated tastes of tourists will be satisfied. Parkhotel Vienna supports local cultural events and it is one of the patrons of Jazz Autumn – a world renowned Jazz Festival. The hotel also cooperates with The Polish Theatre and Fashion Agencies.

Its Convenient location assures quick access to all the places worth seeing in this part of Poland. Szczyrk, a mountain town which is the second most frequently visited place in Poland by skiers in winter (after Zakopane), lies only 10 kilometers away from the hotel. Equally near is Żywiec, a town famous for its brewery tradition, where tourists can visit a modern museum of the Brewery's history. Parkhotel Vienna is also a great place from which to start trips towards Małopolska. Only an hour and a half away by a motorway awaits the famous historic Polish city of Kraków. c

hotel info

Award-winning

17

What's up in

prague

Major cultural events Spring 2012 Exhibition: Prague Fashion Houses 1900-1948

The current exhibition, in a set of eighty items of clothing, shows the rise and fall of Prague fashion houses from the turn of the century to the Communist takeover in February, 1948. The examples from thirtyfive tailoring and dressmaking establishments, including the most luxurious, like Rosenbaum, Podolská, Roubíčková, and Bárta, and medium-sized and small companies, illustrate how the renowned elegance of Prague was developed by joining superior traditional craftsmanship to current French and British fashion trends adapted to local taste and style. The exhibition includes an interactive programme for visitors.

Rolando Villazón

Museum of Decorative Arts, 17. listopadu 2, Prague 1 Until April 29, 2012, www.upm.cz

Exhibition: Rembrandt & Co./Stories Told by a Prosperous Age Exhibition featuring the largest and most valuable collection of old Dutch paintings from the Golden Age. The exhibition is the result of several years of research conducted by the National Gallery, as well as the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie in Haag. On display: around 120 paintings and a comprehensive collection of Dutch graphic art including one of the most famous engravings of that era – Rembrandt’s Hundred Guilder Print. Selected pieces on loan from prestigious art institutions abroad, as well as the Czech Republic are exhibited, including Rembrandt’s painting, Man in an Oriental Costume from 1635 from the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Modern and Contemporary Art Collection of the National Gallery, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 until May 27, 2012, www.ng.cz

Legends of Magic Prague The new project of Laterna Magika comes out from the performance of the Black Light Theatre of Jiří Srnec, which was being staged during the nineties.

Prague is a town woven with legends and myths, some of which get introduced by the new multimedia show: e.g. that about the most famous inhabitants of the Faust's House – Faust and the English alchymist Edward Kelley; that about Chanina, the daughter of a Jewish merchant, who refused bridegrooms offered her and, led by love of the mysterious Lord of the River Vltava, steps into the river and used to come back on the roofs in the shape of a green cat; that about secret meetings of the Emperor Rudolf II. with the philosopher and mystic as well as a great personality of the Jewish culture in Prague – Rabbi Löw and his homunculus Golem; and last, but nost least, about the legend connected with the construction of the Astronomical Clock of the Old Town.

Laterna Magika, Ostrovní 1, Prague 1 April 6 – 8, May 4 – 5, June 14 – 16, 2012, www.laterna.cz

— Laterna’s Magika new project shows Prague's history, mysteries and legends

Cirque du Soleil – Alegría Alegría is a mood, a state of mind. The themes of the show, whose name means "jubilation" in Spanish, are many; power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth - it is against this backdrop that the characters of Alegría play out their lives. Kings' fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.

O2 Arena, Českomoravská 17, Prague 9 May 25 – 27, 2012, www.o2arena.cz

Alexandrovci - European Tour 2012 Alexandrovci is a performing ensemble that serves as the official Army Choir of the Russian armed forces.

It is known worldwide as the Red Army Choir or Red Army Chorus. Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with many popular artists and producers including David Foster, Jean-Jacques Goldman and Steve Barakatt. The 120 member ensemble consists of a male choir, an orchestra and a dance ensemble.

The songs they perform range from Russian folk tunes to church hymns, opera arias and popular music; examples include The Volga Boatmen’s Song, Katyusha, Kalinka, Kernina and Ave Maria. After the Soviet period, the ensemble continued performing, entertaining audiences both in and outside Russia.

TIPSPORT ARENA, Výstaviště, Prague 7 May 12, 2012, www.tesla-arena.cz

concerts

PHOTO: laterna.cz

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Through his uniquely compelling performances with leading opera houses and orchestras around the world, Rolando Villazón firmly established himself as one of the music world’s most critically acclaimed and beloved stars and as a leading tenor of our day.

He made his European debut in 1999 as Des Grieux in Massenet’s Manon in Genoa, swiftly followed by further debuts at the Opéra de Paris, as Alfredo in La traviata; and the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth.

He went on to become one of the most sought-after performers of his generation, as highlighted by a string of highly successful debuts with Europe’s leading opera houses.

The Municipal House, Nám. Republiky 5, Prague 1 April 13, 2012, www.obecnidum.cz

Lawrence Brownlee American tenor Lawrence Brownlee performs a spectacular gala concert of bel canto showpieces. He is one of the most consistently sought-after artists on the international scene. He is lauded continually for the beauty of his voice, his seemingly effortless technical agility, and his dynamic and engaging dramatic skills. His schedule regularly comprises a varied array of debuts and returns at renowned music centers for appearances with the world’s leading opera companies, orchestras and presenting organizations. His concert offers arias by Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.

The Municipal House, Nám. Republiky 5, Prague 1 June 18, 2012, www.ticketpro.cz

Wedding

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What's up in

moscow Major cultural events Spring 2012

Henry Moore and the Classic Canon of Modern Sculpture The Kremlin museums' exhibition halls - the Assumption Belfry and One-Pillar Chamber of the Patriarch's Palace - host a specially selected exhibition dedicated to a legendary British artist of the 20th century, Henry Moore. His works are being preserved in the world’s largest museums and his monumental sculptures are located around the world as public works of art. The exhibition gives a retrospective of Moore's career and oeuvre, from his early carvings in stone, wood and marble, to experiments into biomorphic surrealism in the 1930s, investigations into constructivism, abstract and figurative sculptures from the 1980s. The display also includes a remarkable collection of Moor’s graphics and drawings as well as fabrics and tapestries, crafted according to his designs.

Heinrich Heine. The ballet tells the story of a peasant girl named Giselle whose ghost, after her premature death, protects her lover from the vengeance of a group of evil female spirits called Wilis (a type of Slavic fairy also spelled Vila, Wila, Wiła, Veela). Giselle was first presented by the Ballet du Théâtre de

Scorpions

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

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This is probably your last chance to catch the legendary German rock band before they settle into retirement after this farewell tour titled Sting in the Tail.

Best known for their perestroika-era hits such as the era-defining Wind of Change and the epic love ballad Still Loving You, Scorpions were one of the first western rock bands to play in the USSR in the late 1980s. They still have a large Russian following, which is why they are playing two nights in a row, and we are sure there’ll be plenty of misty eyes as they sing out those immortal lines; ‘I follow the Moskva, down to Gorky Park...’ for the very last time.

Crocus City Hall, MKAD 65-66 km April 26 – 27, 2012, www.crocus-hall.ru

until May 9, 2012, www.kreml.ru

The angels of Zaraisk. Paintings and drawings of Vladimir Pimenov This exhibition continues the cycle devoted to Zaraisk, the native city of the sculptor A.S.Golubkina. Vladimir Pimenov lives and works in Zaraisk and masters the art of painting, watercolor and etching. His latest series of colored etchings and paintings are exhibited in the Memorial Studio of Anna Golubkina. With his works, V.Pimenov tries to oppose the works of his contemporaries, originated in the traditions of the Sots Art. He seeks “eternal values” in the architecture of Zaraisk and the images of F.Dostoevsky, S.Esenin and A.Golubkina. At this exhibition the visitors can see the prints of “pure and beautiful world of youth” in Pimenov’s works.

The Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Levshinsky Pereulok 12, Moscow until June 8, 2012, www.tretyakovgallery.ru

Turetsky's Choir Classically trained singer Mikhail Turetsky and his choir first gained fame in the late 1980s when they played spiritual Judaic music for Moscow’s Jewish community. As the 1990s wore on, the group began to add other styles to their repertoire and went off for an extended trip to the USA. They came back with a stack of new skills - the ability to sing pop, classical, spiritual and nostalgic broadway hits in a range of languages combined with real star quality stage presence.

Nowadays their musical variety is so big they can cater their show to any audience, and we would expect to see a lot of spiritual music, Russian folk and old movie favourites at this Moscow show.

State Kremlin Palace, the Kremlin, Moscow April 27 – 29, 2012, http://gkd-kremlin.ru

Giselle A ballet in two acts with a libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Théophile Gautier.

The librettist took his inspiration from a poem by

l'Académie Royale de Musique at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris, France, on 28 June 1841. The choreography in modern productions generally derives from the revivals of Marius Petipa for the Imperial Russian Ballet (1884, 1899, 1903).

Bolshoy Theatre, Teatralnaya pl. 1, Moscow May 17 – 20, 2012, www.bolshoi.ru

The Tsar´s Bride The dreadful story telling of a beautiful fiancée of Ivan the Terrible, brutal rivalry, withering love and poisoned jealousy is based on true events of the past. Not trying to recreate the colorful details of the way of life, the theatre is thoroughly recreating the spirit of those dark times, searching for psychological motives of the deeds, trying to answer eternal questions standing before a native Russian. An opera by N. Rimsky-Korsakov.

Helikon-Opera, Novy Arbat, 11, Moscow May 23 – 29, 2012, www.helikon.ru

The Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Libretto by Dmitry Shostakovich and Alexander Preis after the story of the same name by Nikolai Leskov. It is an opera in four acts by Dmitri Shostakovich, his Op.29. The opera is sometimes referred to informally as Lady Macbeth when there is no confusion with Verdi's Macbeth. It was first performed on 24 January 1934 at the Leningrad Maly Operny. Shostakovich dedicated the opera to his first wife, the physicist Nina Varzar. The work incorporates elements of expressionism and verismo. It tells the story of a lonely woman in 19th century Russia, who falls in love with one of her husband's workers and is driven to murder.

Bolshoy Theatre, Teatralnaya pl. 1, Moscow May 29 + 31, 2012, www.bolshoi.ru

Garbage Garbage are an American alternative rock band formed in 1994. The group consists of Scottish singer Shirley Manson (vocals, guitar) and American musicians Duke Erikson (bass, guitar, keyboards, percussion), Steve Marker (guitar, keyboards) and Butch Vig (drums, percussion). Garbage released a string of increasingly successful singles in 1995–1996, including "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains".

Their debut album „Garbage“ was an unexpected smash, selling over 4 million copies and certified double platinum in the UK, USA and Australia. Garbage won the Breakthrough Artist award at the 1996 MTV Europe Music Awards.The album titled „Not Your Kind of People“ is scheduled for release May 14th, 2012 via the band's own independent label, Stunvolume Records.

Crocus City Hall, MKAD 65-66 km May 12, 2012, www.crocus-hall.ru

The Backbone of the Czech Airlines Network Will Run Between Russia and the West In 2012, Czech Airlines will complete the implementation of its carriage network model – its backbone will comprise flights between Russia and Western Europe. frequencies and usual departure and arrival times. Nothing will change with respect to these destinations, from the consumer point of view.

2011 carriage results: more passengers on local markets The number of passengers carried by Czech Airlines in 2011 reflected its ongoing restructuring, the consolidation of the carriage network and developments within the business. The Airline became smaller as planned, but functioned all the more efficiently for it, including increased utilisation of its aircraft fleet, which improved by 5% year on year. This is evidenced by the fact that although in the aggregate, Czech Airlines operated 17.4% fewer flights, the overall number of passengers carried only dropped by 7.5%, less than half that amount.

Czech Airlines carried more than 8% more customers to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on a year-on-year basis and also noted a balanced number of passengers in relation to destinations in Western Europe. On local markets, Czech Airlines carried more than 9% more passengers. The share of transfer passengers dropped to 54% last year. Overall, Czech Airlines carried 4,251,736 passengers in 2011.

The bolstering of flights to Eastern destinations, in particular to Russia and other key markets in the region, will result in the completion of a logical transportation bridge between the East and the West. That is the main concept of the Czech Airlines backbone network that the Airline plans to complete this year.

In the West, the foundation will be the six primary destinations and their natural linkage to the East. This basis of the network accounts for 48% of the airline’s revenue from scheduled carriage on local and transfer markets. In the East, aircraft will head to and from 16 key destinations. This network will be supplemented by regional flights of not more than one-and-a-half hours in duration, and naturally selected point-to-point flight destinations such as service to Tel Aviv and Brussels. The itinerary will be supplemented by long-haul flights via Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with Etihad Airways, and destinations offered in association with other partners.

Overall, Czech Airlines will operate flights on its own to 48 destinations in 31 countries in the 2012 summer season, which represents an average of 432 return flights per week. Thanks to its cooperation with partners, the overall itinerary will be far more extensive, featuring more than 98 destinations in 50 countries.

Czech Airlines plans to incorporate Russian destinations such as Ufa and Nizhny Novgorod in its schedule and boost its service to Moscow, Baku, Tashkent, Almaty, and Lvov. One of the new destinations in Western Europe for example will be Geneva and certain seasonal destinations are being considered. Due to the unstable geo-political developments in the Near East, Beirut service will be suspended. Due to a significant decline in demand on local markets, the 2012 summer itinerary will not feature Larnaca, Oslo, Skopje and Athens. Certain other flights, such as Helsinki, will continue to be operated on a code-share basis and will remain in the Czech Airlines flight schedule with their original

“Thanks to the restructuring plan and the gradual transformation of our carriage network, we are successfully increasing the seat load factor.

Gradually, it is nearing the AEA average, although the trend slowed slightly in 2011,” said Czech Airlines’ President, Philippe Moreels.

Czech Airlines noted a clear increase in passenger numbers on its flights to and from destinations in Russia and other post-Soviet countries (+8.4%). There was particular demand for flights to Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, and Rome, to which the greatest number of transfer passengers were from the CIS. They accounted for 42% of all transfers on flights operated by Czech Airlines aircraft between the East and the West. Nearly 20% of all of Czech Airlines’ passengers travelled on flights to Russia and other destinations in the region last year.

What's up in

budapest

Major cultural events Spring 2012

Société Réaliste: Empire, State, Building Ferenc Gróf (1972, Pécs) and Jean-Baptiste Naudy (1982, Paris) founded Société Réaliste in 2004 and the artists` collective has worked together in Paris since then. They deal with political design, experimental economics, territorial ergonomics and so-called „social engineering consulting“. They artistically express those political-visual and informative means that are used by official power to manipulate society and control people`s mind. Société Réaliste developed a hybrid research and creation procedure built on a sign and lettering system. Interweaving the heritage and methods of graffiti, typography, pattern-design and visual poetry, they examine the blurred frontiers between image and text.

Ludwig Museum, Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest April 20 - August 5, 2012, www.ludwigmuseum.hu

Andre Rieu Rieu´s performace will for sure be an awesome concert with lots of humour, the way we know it from him and, first of all, wonderful music. Andre Rieu is a master of his instrument and wherever he goes large crowds and packed concert venues await him.

G.F. Händel: Theodora Händel´s opera premièred in 1750 at London’s Covent Garden and was the composer’s penultimate “original” oratorio – i.e. not created by recycling earlier written music – with a libretto by the Rev. Thomas Morell.

Adapting the story of the early Christian martyrs of Antioch, the work is Handel’s only musical drama with a purely Christian theme.

The conductor György Vashegyi says: „For me, Theodora is perhaps Handel’s most dramatic composition: a magnum opus for the baroque age of the same rank as the most important works of Purcell, Bach and Rameau. It was an honour for us to present the work in Hungary in November 2004. Our performance this evening forms the musical basis for a stage première planned for the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest in June 2013.”

— Budapest's Palace of Arts consists of concert halls, theatres and galleries

An evening in two acts by Belgian choreographer Ben van Cauwenbergh, who drew inspiration from the multi-faceted music and vivacity of the rock group, Queen and from the personality of Freddie Mercury. In 2004, he created a unique production that melds rock music with the aesthetics of classical ballet.

The principal themes of the production are love (Love of My Life), the golden age of rock and roll (Crazy Little Thing Called Love), the grotesque (Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon), and the exciting ambience of the criminal underworld (Another One Bites The Dust). The composition of the closing scene is a requiem for Freddie Mercury and his farewell to the audience (Who Wants to Live Forever).

Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest May 4, 2012, www.mupa.hu

Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest June 3, 2012, www.mupa.hu

Ballet Company of Győr: Queen Ballet

Papp László Budapest Sportarena May 4 - 5, 2012, www.budapest.com

Wagner in Budapest" Opera Festival: Richard Wagner: Tannhäuser The first perfomance of the "Wagner in Budapest" Opera Festival, Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg, is a Richard Wagner opera in three acts. The libretto was written by the composer himself on the basis of the Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg, a collection of 13th century lyrical poems, and the 16th century Dannhauser songs. Its world première took place in 1845 at the Dresden Hoftheater, while the masterpiece was first performed in Hungary in 1871.

The American Robert Dean Smith in the title role made an impressive début in 1997 as Walter von Stolzing in Die Meistersänger von Nürnberg at the Bayreuth Festival. He now sings in the world's top opera houses and concert halls. Gábor Bretz, appearing in the role of Hermann, débuted at La Scala in Milan and at the Salzburg Festival, both in 2007. He also appeared at La Scala as Bluebeard in the spring of 2008, before travelling to Sydney to sing Don Giovanni. The role of Wolfram will be sung by Estonian Lauri Vasar, the outstanding Wagner, Mozart and Strauss singer Christiane Iven from Germany will play Elisabeth, and Jelena Zhidkova, born in St. Petersberg but now residing in Berlin, will perform as Venus.

Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest April 19, 2012, www.mupa.hu

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

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Fazil Say – THE PIANO – MVM CONCERTS No. 5 Fazil Say born in Turkey is a piano virtuoso, composer and passionate jazz musician. He has played with worldrenowned orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de France.

He appeared at numerous festivals and played chamber music in collaboration with the likes of Yuri Bashmet, Shlomo Mintz and Maxim Vengerov.

Bartók Béla National Concert Hall, Palace of Arts, Komor Marcell U. 1, Budapest April 11, 2012, www.mupa.hu

The Queen of the Danube. Charming History.

Mamaison Hotels & Residences – as individual as you!

Budapest, known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’, charms visitors with its rich history and unique cultural heritage, as well as its bustling streets, vibrant calendar of events and atmospheric restaurants and cafés. Budapest enjoys an interesting history for visitors to discover. The city also has very cosmopolitan elements including great shops, cultural entertainment and restaurants, as well as a buzzing nightlife scene. Budapest enjoys a range of interesting attractions including wellness medicinal baths, caves and Mamaison Hotels & Residences.

www.mamaison.com

budapest

What's up in

bratislava Major cultural events Spring 2012

Homage to Picasso Pablo Picasso, painter, sculptor and graphic artist, became the most famous artist of the 20th century. From 1910, influenced by Montmartre residents Picasso and Braque, Prague became the art centre of cubism.

The major credit goes to art historian Vincenc Kramář who directed the attention of young artists towards cubism. The exhibition also presents works of artists largely influenced by Picasso´s works created during his blue and rose periods.

Czech artists, such as Bohumil Kubišta, Emil Filla and Antonín Procházka, maintained close contact with

Judas Priest

Numerous awards from domestic and international expositions bear witness to this quality and prove that the decision to closely cooperate with visual artists was the right way.

Slovakian National Gallery, Nám. L. Štúra 4, Bratislava until May 20, 2012, www.sng.sk

G. Puccini: Tosca The story of the singer Tosca and the painter Cavaradossi is a masterpiece of musical drama, an oeuvre electric with tension in which - unlike most other operas - nothing can be excised or abridged.

concerts

PHOTO: PROFIMEDIA.CZ

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Formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest are a heavy metal band known for a twin lead guitar style, a wide operatic vocal style, and for introducing the S&M leather and studs look into heavy metal,

they have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. In 2010, the band announced a farewell tour, with a projected retirement in 2012.

Incheba Expo Aréna, Bratislava May 9, 2012, www.xl.sk

— Emil Filla was influenced by Pablo Picasso

Paris. Otto Gutfreund, for instance, has been regarded by many international experts as the best cubist sculptor of all time. Following WWII, Czechoslovak art was significantly influenced by many Spanish artists, such as O. Dominquez, A. Clavé, H. Condoy, G. Parra etc.

PÁLFFY PALACE, Pánska 19, Bratislava Until April 29, 2012, www.gmb.sk

Cheers! Here's to design!

Production of the glassworks in Lednické Rovne (today called RONA) is rich in its long tradition, as well as in quality and distinctive designer value. Ever since its establishment, the glassworks focused on producing stemware, i.e. beverage glasses and other decorative products. This year, the company celebrates its 120th anniversary. The company put its trust in cooperation with visual artists (Karol Hološko, Jaroslav Taraba, Dagmar Kudrová, Ladislav Pagáč, Jozef Kolembus, Patrik Illo, Peter Šipoš, and others), who greatly contributed to the development and fame of glass products from Lednické Rovne. The company also earned recognition and respect thanks to its continued development of production technology, modelling and decorating glass.

´Tosca´ was premiered in 1900, and not only in this literal sense, but also in terms of its ethos as musical drama, it belongs to the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Puccini embarks from the tradition of Italian opera resting on the bel canto style and setting idealistic romantic subjects; at the same time, however, he oversteps its boundaries. His music is beautiful and soaring, but also expresses constant anxiety and imperilment by the unseen and pernicious dangers incorporated in the opera by the sanctimonious Baron Scarpia. And thus it is probably in the music of ´Tosca´ that the prime theme of the whole of Pucini´s opus is best expressed: the momentariness, fragility and transience of human happiness.

Slovakian National Theatre, Pribinova 17, Bratislava May 30, 2012, www.snd.sk

Three Centuries of Music A special concert cycle arranged by The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. An evening dedicated to P.I. Tchaikovsky and his Concert for violin and orchestra in D Major op. 35 and Antonín Dvořák´s Symphony No. 9

in E Minor "From the New World", op. 95 performed by violinist Yoon Hee Kim and conductor Keiko Mitsuhashi.

Slovakian Philharmonic, Medená 3, Bratislava May 24, 2012, www.filharm.sk

P. I. Tchaikovsky, V. Malakhov: Sleeping Beauty A new production of a ballet classic - the Sleeping Beauty. A ballet in a prologue and three acts composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky (his Opus 66). The original scenario was conceived by Ivan Vsevolozhsky, and is based on Charles Perrault's La Belle au bois dormant.

The choreographer of the original production was Marius Petipa.

Slovakian National Theatre, Pribinova 17, Bratislava May 25, 26, May 29, 2012, www.snd.sk

A.Vivaldi: Four Seasons The Slovak Chamber Orchestra Bohdan Warchal with Ewald Danel, artistic leader / violin, presents famous and popular set of four violin concertos composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1723.

The performance continues with Astor Piazzolla / Leonid Desiatnikov - The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires for violin and string orchestra.

Slovakian Philharmonic, Medená 3, Bratislava June 3, 2012, www.filharm.sk

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EASTER

PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

the time when girls get wet and whipped Easter is the most important feast in the liturgical year and the ceremonies and customs vary from country to country.

In Central and Eastern Europe, strong traditions remain.

C

hristians around the world celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and welcome spring. The name Easter comes from a pagan fertility goddess (either Eastre, or Eostre). Ancient nations celebrated the vernal equinox in order to celebrate the "resurrection" of life in the spring. The traditions and customs across Europe have not changed much during the centuries but the date changes every year. Constantine I. did not want Easter to be celebrated on the Jewish Passover (two weeks after the vernal equinox on March 21st) and during the council it was decided to have Easter as a movable feast on Sunday and Monday also two weeks after the vernal equinox. So Easter can be

celebrated any time between April 4th and May 8th giving us thirty five variations.

Not only in Poland, but in most Christian countries the Easter „Wielki“ preparation starts with Ash Wednesday, on a day when 40 days of Lent begins. The Polish cut pusywillows and place them into water at home.

On Palm Sunday they are used as „palms“ and get blessed in the church. During Lent, people fast and eating meat and its products is forbidden. In Poland during „Wielki Post“ people often go to confession and pray. The Holy week begins on Palm Sunday, when people attend a mass at the church and bring with them the pussywillows and other freshly cut spring flowers.

The most beloved Polish tradition is the Swieconka. People – mostly children take

— The typical custom in Slovakia when boys pour water over girls to stay young and fertile

Wet Monday "Lany Poniedzialek" or "Smigus - Dyngus" means water on everyone every household. Easter Sunday is a special day for the women who should not cook, clean or do any type of work. On Monday people sprinkle water on each other to stay healthy and lucky throughout the year. This custom comes from the times when unmarried men poured as much water as possible on the girl whom they liked to show their interest. The wet girl thanked the boy and offered him Easter eggs.

Hungarian Húsvét In Hungary the preparation for Easter „Húsvét“ starts the day before Ash Wednesday on a day called „húshagyó kedd“, meaning Meat Abandoning Tuesday.

A forty day Lent begins. Because it is forbidden to celebrate, marriages do not take place during this period. A week ahead of Easter Monday on Palm/Flower Sunday, spring flowers are mentioned in the blessings and prayers. Women clean the houses, bake cakes and decorate eggs. Everything has to be done before Good Friday. On Holy Saturday the food is blessed in the churches and food baskets „kalács“ include smoked ham, red decorated eggs and salt, in some places wine is added. In the past, godparents used to give godchildren egg gifts. Nowadays children exchange decorated eggs „hímestojács“ as a token of their friendship. Easter egg hunts take place on Easter Sunday, when children are surprised by sweets and chocolates the bunny left for them in the grass.

Getting soaked wet in“oblievačka“ Girls and women on Easter Monday change their clothes several times a day.

Why? They get wet. Across Slovakia boys and men visit girls and pour buckets of cold water „oblievačka“ over them (or spray perfume) to stay beautiful, healthy fertile and young. In Western Slovakia boys gently spank girls „šibačka“ with freshly cut and braided willow branches „ korbáč“ decorated with ribbons. The willow branches are braided from eight, twelve and up to twenty four stems and usually half a metre long. Some can reach 2 metres and are kept for generations. The willow branch symbolizes the fertility and life transferred by whipping to the girl and the water pouring is for health and beauty. The treats boys receive in return are ribbons on the willow branch, painted eggs, sweets and cakes, money and the adult men are served schnapps. Where folk traditions are kept the men wear costumes, sing songs and play instruments. In some regions on Tuesday it is the girls chance for a rematch to spank and sprinkle boys.

Give eggs and offer „slivovice“ Today, Easter in the Czech Republic mostly celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the arrival of spring. Easter begins with Holy Week and includes a tradition of bells departing to Rome on Thursday.

The church bells remain silent until Easter Sunday when ceremonial services are held. Many traditional customs survived and are practised in the country. The most visible are of course the eggs. The painted coloured eggs „kraslice“ used to be red, but nowadays they are more colourful than rainbows. There are various techniques and ornaments for egg decorating and varying from region to region. The most precious eggs are made in the Eastern part of the country in Moravia, especially in the Haná region. Eggs are coloured by women only, who later give them to the carolers. Across the Czech Republic boys and men visit

russian pascha Pascha (or Paskha) is the highest celebration of the Orthodox Church and, as with Christians, the most important celebration of the liturgical year. Similar to carnivale or mardi gras in Russia is the „maslenitsa“ - over a week full of joy, fun, singing, eating and drinking. The most typical foods are the blini - pancakes served with sour cream, caviar or smoked salmon. In the Slavic tradition, blini was a ritual food served as an offering to the deceased. On Palm Sunday the Holy Week begins, a time of strict fasting and reflection. On the Saturday night before Pascha Sunday, the churches are lit up and decorated and liturgy procedures take place. Then the great feast begins.

The most famous and probably the most expensive Pascha eggs are the Fabergé eggs. Carl Faberge founded his firm in 1842 in Russia's imperial capital St. Petersburg. The first egg was given to the Empress (Tsarina) Maria Fedorovna on Pascha in 1885 by her husband Tsar Alexander III. From this year on an „Imperial“ jewelled egg with gems and precious stones was presented to the Empresses.

The most expensive was the 1913 Winter Egg, which was invoiced at 24,600 roubles (then £2,460). The egg would have cost £1.87 million in today’s money. The Fabergé egg appeared also in James Bond movie Octopussy as an object of a bidding war.

women (usually relatives) and spank them with a braided willow stick decorated with ribbons „pomlázka“. The spanked woman should stay cheerful, healthy and young for another year. Women as a reward offer eggs, chocolate eggs and other sweets and as well as home-made plum schnapps „slivovice“. In Moravia boys and men usually wear traditional costumes and sing songs when visiting women. The Easter meal includes lamb, bread, eggs, meat fillings and crossed sweet bread „mazanec“.

easter

On Easter Monday, boys surprise the girls by pouring buckets or bottles of water on them and make sure the girls get wet while reciting poems and rhymes such as: Water for your health, water for your home, water for your land, here's water, water! Don't shriek and cry and run away: It's good for you on Dyngus day. In the old times the girls were dragged to ponds, wells or streams and thrown in. Watering girls makes them good wives bearing a lot of children. As a reward the boys and men received decorated eggs, cakes and sweets and of course traditional home destilled „pálinka“, a traditional fruit schnapps.

did you know?

„Swieconka“ (decorated food baskets with the holy menu) to churches for blessing.

The basket is full of hard-boiled shelled eggs, the Easter lamb, ham, sausage, salt, horseradish, fruits, bread and cake. The food blessed in the church remains untouched until Sunday morning.If you hear words like Pisanki, Kraszanki, Malowanki, Drapanki, Wyklejanki, Nalepianki, it means coloured and decorated eggs. There are different styles and techniques. The eggs decorated with wax and then soaked in dye are "pisanki", one colour eggs are "malowanki" or "kraszanki". If patterns are etched with a pointed instrument on top of the paint, the eggs are then called "skrobanki" or "rysowanki".

On Easter Sunday morning, a special resurrection mass takes place in every church in Poland. The blessed food can be eaten and a great feast full of joy is in

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PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

the best taste P

A unique experience in a unique restaurant. Imagine fancy costumes, Baroque music and at the next table Mozart enjoys his dinner. Welcome to Amade Restaurant!

rague is a city with a history dating back over a thousand years. The same can be said of dining. Dining developed over the centuries and, especially in the past two decades, local and world gourmets are singing odes to Czech cuisine and Prague´s restaurants. Across Prague you will find several quality restaurants with Star chefs, as well as those listed in the „Bib Gourmand“ Michelin guide. In Prague you will find restaurants with an intimate candlelit atmosphere as well as modern stylish interiors with glass and steel details.

Located on the Vltava river embankment, the Amade Restaurant is placed within the complex of the former Baroque residence of Earl Karel Pachta. The Earl hosted the genius composer Wolfgang

— Prepared from daily fresh ingredients mostly from local farmers

Goat cheese baked in rice paper with cranberry jam and watercress Serving: 4 portions Ingredients: Busch de Chevre Cheese 360 g 6 pieces of rice paper fresh cranberries 100 g sugar crystal 50 g water 50 cl a handful of arugula salad 16 pieces of cherry tomatoes 1 teaspoon chives 1 tablespoon watercress salt and pepper to flavour 1 teaspoon olive oil ½ teaspoon of vinegar

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Amade Restaurant in Mamaison´s Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác in Prague, Czech Republic Radek Šubrt has more than twenty years experience gained in Czech restaurants and international kitchens during his stays abroad. He has been fascinated by cooking since he could walk, so the decision to become a chef was natural. He worked in many restaurants as a chef and executive chef; just to name few – Prague´s hotel Mövenpick, Don Giovanni, Radisson SAS, Le Palais and Swiss Des Balancess, Austrian Bad Blumau. Šubrt also worked with Daniel Boulud, award-winning French chef in New York.

The best taste

recipe

Meet the Chefs

Original Amade

Radek Šubrt Executive Chef

Radomír Benetka Executive Chef Amade Restaurant in Mamaison´s Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác in Prague, Czech Republic Since childhood Benetka admired the art of cooking and he soon learned the basics from his mother.

After studying, he went abroad to learn the new trends in gastronomy and gain experience from world renowned chefs. His professional career as a chef includes hotels Radisson SAS in Edinburgh and Dublin, Prague´s Renaissance Hotel, Marriott Hotel and lately Kings Court.

a few drops of 13-year-old Aceto Balsamico Shape the cheese into 12 equal sized balls and wrap them like little envelopes into rice paper.

Fry these small envelopes on both sides on a hot nonstick Teflon pan, so that the cheese inside softens.

Make pale caramel from sugar, then pour in water and boil until it thickens. At the end add fresh cranberries, simmer 1 minute and let cool.

Cut arugula salad, season with salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar and add half chopped cherry tomatoes and finely chopped chives and watercress.

Adjustments to the plate: Aceto Balsamico dripped onto the plate, put the baked goat cheese in the centre / 3 pieces per serving, decorate top with cranberry jam and salad.

— Typical spring taste of fresh goat cheese combined with cranberries creates unforgettable dining experience

— Amade Restaurant offers a view over Prague´s historic center and the Vltava River

Amadeus Mozart and his wife Constance during his visit to Prague in the late 18th century. Mozart's friends informally called him "Amade" and that was the inspiration for today’s name of the restaurant. The Pachtův Palác was completely reconstructed in 2004 and turned into a luxury hotel. Amade Restaurant is accessible

directly from the street as well as for hotel guests. The historic rooms detailed in Baroque style offer a unique experience. In Amade, its chefs focus on traditional Czech and international cuisine. The relaxing atmosphere of seventy seats is sufficiently intimate for business dinners as well as private arrangements and a perfect venue for wedding dinners and parties.

Amade Restaurant At Mamaison´s Suite Hotel Pachtův Palác Amade Restaurant you can be assured of special attention, especially from the chefs. Why? In Amade there two renowned executive chefs; Radek Šubrt and Radomír Benetka. Their professional backgrounds guarantee world-class dining. Carefully selected menu items combine the traditional recipes of Czech cuisine and international favourites. Using the freshest and most carefully selected ingredients, the chefs and their teams prepare typical Bohemian signature dishes crafted in a modern style.

The menu reflects local seasonal promotions, changed throughout the year.

The beverage list offers a selection of fine Czech and especially Moravian wines, as well as award winning international wines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hot and cold beverages. Amade restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and the dress code is casual. c

brain twisters

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brain twisters Entertainment for days and nights

Not only your body, but your brain needs regular training.

Try the three brain twisters which will practise your brain after a busy day and, at the same time, check your logic, imagination and sence of humour.

Four fours

Sudoku

Out of four fours one can make any number from 0 through 10. Don’t believe it?

Give it a try. You can add, subtract, multiply, divide and use parentheses.

The aim of Sudoku is to enter a number from 1 through 9 in each cell of the grid.

Each row, column and region must contain only one instance of each number.

Tie the sheep

4444

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1 4

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If a sheep is tied with a rope to one stake, it chews a circle in the grass. If the rope runs through a ring on the sheep’s neck and the ends of the rope are tied to two stakes, the sheep chews an ellipse. If we want an oval we stretch the rope between two stakes, put the ring on the stretched rope and tie the sheep to it. How would you tie the sheep to get a square? You have a rope, rings, stakes and one sheep.

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Share your experiences and win!

Share your favourite places from our cities or suggest interesting ideas and tips with other Mamaison guests on facebook. All you need to do is scan the QR code or go to www.facebook.com/mamaisonhotels and leave your tip there.

The best suggestion will win a two-night stay at any Mamaison hotel or residence of his choice.

The winner will be announced on our facebook page at the end of June 2012.

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Institute of Hospitality Management in Prague, ltd. (IHM) What would you imagine behind this name? It is the name of a unique private non-university type of college that was established in the Czech Republic in 1990. It provides higher education of specialists in hotel management, gastronomy, travel and tourism.

IHM instructed according to a modified educational bachelor’s programme, adopted from the prestigious Hotel School in the Hague. Other study disciplines were gradually accredited.

The IHM also focuses on practical skills and training and therefore closely co-operates with companies operating in the hospitality fields.

The relation between theoretical and practical education is appropriate – the IHM graduates are successful in their studies as well as in their professional life.

More than 3,500 students have already graduated from the Institute. Many of them work as top managers in hotels and hotel chains, as well as in other companies providing services in travel and tourism industry in the Czech Republic and abroad. A percentage of graduates turn their knowledge and practical skills to good account in their own accommodation establishments, restaurants, bars or other businesses. It‘s worth mentioning that you won‘t find the IHM graduates registered with Labour Exchange Offices.

Since its foundation, the IHM set a target of providing quality education. However, as with any other institution, it has gone through its particular development. At the beginning, the

An ever-growing interest of applicants, not only from the Czech Republic and Slovakia but also from other European countries and beyond, culminated in the opening of the study discipline Hospitality Management, which is fully instructed in the English language. Foreign students who join the IHM within the ERASMUS programme study this discipline as well. The IHM students have already studied at 19 foreign universities within ERASMUS based on the IHM bilateral contracts. In the 2011 ERASMUS programme, the IHM achieved 2nd position among private colleges for the number of students who studied abroad, as well as who joined their professional internship.

Students meet the professionals At present there are 2,300 students studying in all programs, 55% are registered full-time. From the point of the IHM, as well as from its student perspective, it is a good ratio. It is apparent that the IHM and its students live a typical daily college life. Considering its high study demands, it is obvious that all 2,300 students contribute toward maintaining the required quality and further development of instruction. Since its foundation, the IHM has constantly developed its study and operational facilities. The Institute is endowed with large capacity auditoria, modern classrooms, practice bars, lounges and necessary gastronomical and multimedia equipment and technologies. The IHM is in the process of preparing to open its multifunctional study room and public library with a specialized book fund. The students‘ colour magazine ‚KREDIT‘ (which is regularly prepared

by the IHM students and which is a part of the IHM optional subjects) has become popular among our students, as well as among workers in hotels and restaurants.

Creative activities are a permanent part of the IHM development and the IHM employees have solved a set of minor and major projects aimed at hotel industry, gastronomy, travel and tourism. One of the most significant projects was research aimed at solving regional disparities mediated by the travel and tourism industry.

The IHM research activities implemented for Czech Tourism are oriented at management of tourism issues in the Czech Republic. The IHM has already held and hosted three international scientific conferences concerning the topic ‚Hotel, Tourism and Education Today and Tomorrow‘. The aims of the conference are to gain professional know-how of the discipline, establish and intensify personal contacts and specify prospects of further activities within the given field. The conference focuses on theoretical and practical findings within the fields of the hotel industry, gastronomy, travel and tourism and their corresponding forms and methods of education. The IHM teachers, teachers from abroad and specialists participate in the conference. Much attention is devoted to young employees who work in educational establishments and companies and in public bodies. This year’s fourth international conference is scheduled for October 4th.

The IHM offers its applicants four bachelor’s study programmes: (Hotel Management, including its English programme‚Hospitality Management‘, Tourism Destination Management, Marketing Communication in Services, Leisure Time Management) and three ongoing master’s study programmes (Hotel and Spa Management, Tourism Destination Management, Marketing Communication).

And since it is better ‚to see than read or hear’ the IHM invites all those interested in the studies of any offered discipline to the IHM premises for the ‚Open House Days’ which are regularly held. Further information concerning study programmes, as well as the dates of the Open House can be found on the IHM www.vsh.cz.

Vysoká škola hotelová, Svídnická 506, 181 00 Praha 8 tel.: +420 283 101 111

20 questions for

Agnieszka Tucharz Which world destinations would you enjoy living in?

I think in Tuscany. I like the combination of lovely nature, gorgeous landscapes and historic places. Many famous artists were born there and created some of the most famous pieces of art. I’ve a bit of an artistic soul and I’m very sensitive to art and that’s why I enjoy visiting such places. Apart from that, Tuscany has its unique cuisine and great wine too. I think it would be worthwhile to settle down there after my professional career!

Which world class hotel do you like the most?

The Westin Acapulco Resort & SPA on the hill, with an unforgettable view. A great place for romantic holidays.

Where would you prefer to stay, a city hotel or seaside complex?

Definitely I prefer the seaside complex. I‘ve spent too much time of my life working for business hotels, so I’m not keen on such places at all.

Who is the most interesting person you met in your career?

I’ve met many people – the list is very long, so difficult to say who was the most interesting. I had a chance to meet Margaret Thatcher. I was impressed by her speech, her class, strong personality and determination. Some time after her visit, I had

the most interesting visit and the most difficult one – was the visit of The Emperor of Japan the pleasure to host Queen Elizabeth II and her son - Prince Charles. I remember another royal visit very well - the Royal Couple of Spain: Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos, in May 2001. Queen Sofia and her husband went through the hotel and shook hands with the staff, chatted with them, then went to the restaurant without

Life in numbers

PHOTO: Mamaison HotelS & Residences

20 questions

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Agnieszka Tucharz General Manager of Mamaison Residence Diana Warsaw

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is related very much to my date of birth (a couple of „3” are in it). One of my mottos is : “Third time lucky” (pol. “do trzech razy sztuka”)

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I fell in love the first time, lovely kindergarten times

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when I was 7, I received my 1st gold award for school results and more of them came in the next years

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I count till 10 when I get stressed, unfortunately, it not always helps

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kilometers is my best jogging result so far

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first job and my first salary

any security personnel and had lunch amongst other hotel guests.

The visit of The Emperor of Japan in July 2002 was the most difficult. That was one of the largest delegations (except from the US Presidents) I hosted at one of the hotels I worked for.

Who influenced your decision to become a hotelier?

Nobody. That was a spontaneous decision. One day I was walking in the street, passing by the Marriott hotel (which was just opened) and I thought about earning some money for nicer holidays. I left my CV and in a few days I was already employed. I planned to work a couple of months, but it turned out to be my main professional path. I still cannot believe that.

I had totally different interests at that time and different plans for my future.

Your favourite place in a hotel?

In wintertime a cozy coffee shop, the best would be with a fireplace. I could spend a lot of time there drinking hot chocolate or a cup of good coffee. In summer, the terrace of a hotel restaurant with a nice ocean or sea view.

What was your worst day at work?

I think I’ve never had one. After a while only good memories stay on my mind, I quickly forget about bad things.

What makes you laugh at work?

Guests who try to learn Polish. Especially the long term customers who take some Polish lessons and then try to practice talking to us. Sometimes funny conversations come out of that.

The most unusual meal you were served?

When I was in Africa, I was served snake meat. At the beginning, I couldn’t convince myself even to touch it, but after a while I tried a bit and I have to admit it was good.

What drink would you offer to a special guest?

“Szarlotka” which is a Polish Vodka called

20 questions

33 “żubrówka” + apple juice, a great to warm up during freezing winter days.

Your favourite writer and book?

I have several of them: Paulo Coelho a Brazilian lyricist and novelist. I like „ The Alchemist“, one of the best novels translated into many languages that has become an international bestseller. That’s an allergorical novel about a philosophy

— Mamaison Residence Diana provides complete privacy and a familiar atmosphere for you to come home to

I also like jogging. Apart from that: riding bicycles and playing volleyball.

Recently I bought for myself mainly practical things - not for the joy of it. I prefer to buy something like that for my relatives, especially for my daughter. I like watching her joy, which is very spontaneous and natural.

What is your dream vacation?

I would like to go to Mauritius, but in general any warm place and definitely holidays that are LONGER than I usually take (the best: never-ending).

Your favourite joke?

I have very poor memory for jokes. I prefer to listen and laugh instead of telling jokes.

I remember just a few of them. I can tell you one, maybe that’s not the best one but I least I remember it: There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to become a great writer. When asked to define "Great" he said: "I want to write stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make them scream, cry, howl in pain and anger!" He now works for Microsoft, writing error messages.

Whom would you like to be with on a deserted island?

With my family, with whom I do not spend so much time as I wish.

— A unique residence amongst the Warsaw hotels

of life that I like to think about from time to time. My other favourite writer is Lawrence Durrell, an expatriate British novelist. His best novel is the tetralogy „The Aleksandria Quartet“, which I liked a lot. Also worth a recommend is Daniel Goleman and his „Emotional Intelligence“.

I come back to this book very often and I take as much as I can from it to use at work.

Historical personality you admire?

Pope John Paul II. I admire him for everything he has done over the 27 years of his pontificate.

With whom you would like to be on stage and perform ?

I think with George Clooney. He has a great talent and on top of that he is very handsome.

That’s a nice combination.

What sport do you prefer to relax?

I think swimming gives me a lot of relaxation. I live in the area of many parks, so

When was the last time you fought your fear?

That was a couple of weeks ago, when I was driving my car: one of the streets was very icy.

I lost complete control of my car which suddenly drove on the other side of the street.

I really had fear in front of my eyes.

Fortunately there were no other cars around.

Your motto? “ I myself create my reality “ c

What was the last thing you bought just for the joy of it?

Solutions of brain twisters from page 30

Four fours 44 – 44 = 0, 44 : 44 = 1, 4 : 4 + 4 : 4 = 2, (4 + 4 + 4) : 4 = 3, 4 x (4 – 4) + 4 = 4, (4 x 4 + 4) : 4 = 5, (4 + 4) : 4 + 4 = 6, 4 + 4 – 4 : 4 = 7, (4 + 4) x 4 : 4 = 8, 4 + 4 + 4 : 4 = 9, (44 – 4) : 4 = 10

Sudoku

Tie the sheep

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Lux u ry L i v i n g i n t h e S ky Złota 44 is a place where you can break free from the chains of time. Imagine your moments in the clouds.

Savour aromatic coffee, your favourite music floating from the speakers in your luxury apartment suspended in the sky.

Your thoughts run higher and you start to see your everyday life from a different perspective. The sky is no longer a limit.

It is a place like no other in the very heart of Warsaw. The only place where the notion of distance is not just symbolic.

Rising to a height of 192 meters, Złota 44, residential tower will define luxury in Poland for years to come.

Złota 44. Luxury shape of living.

O R CO P R O P E RT Y G R O U P

A L . j E R OzO L i m s k i E 8 1 , 02- 0 0 1 WA R sAW

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Chase eggs and find attraCtive disCounts Easter Egg Hunt at Mamaison Seek for hidden treasures and find attractive offers as well as treats and surprises in your room! Enjoy an affordable great value break in prestigious European cities.

Make your Easter holidays fun and come to spend some exciting days out in the spring cities. Visit us with your family or partner from 1st to 30th April 2012 and enjoy not only the most attractive rates but also a delicious breakfast, a welcome drink, an upgrade to the next room category and an enjoyable Easter egg hunt in your hotel room or suite.

This package includes: • Accommodation • Free WiFi • Easter egg hunt in hotel room

(chocolate eggs and other surprises are hidden in room)

www.mamaison.com

• Breakfast • Welcome Drink • Upgrade to next room category (upon availability at check-in) Will you find all hidden surprises in your hotel room? Share your photos of the best hiding places on Facebook and win a nice surprise!