On June 26th, Krakus Senior Center PSC hosted another session of our popular series, “Meetings with History”, which continues to draw great interest from our senior participants. This time, we were transported to the atmosphere of pre-war Warsaw as we paid tribute to a remarkable figure in Polish culture – Hanka Ordonówna.
Ordonka – as the public affectionately called her – was a symbol of elegance, delicacy, and artistic sophistication. Though best known for her beautiful, lyrical songs such as “Love Forgives All” (Miłość ci wszystko wybaczy) and “At First Sign” (Na pierwszy znak), she was also a woman of great compassion. During the war, she dedicated herself to charitable work, helping children and soldiers – earning the respect and love of generations.
The entire event was led by the irreplaceable Waldemar Ostrowski, who, with passion, grace, and exceptional sensitivity, transported us into the world of Ordonka. His narration allowed us to feel the spirit of that era and better understand the artist’s dramatic yet inspiring life story.
Our wonderful center participants – Wiesława Niewińska, Halina Jaworska, Grażyna Ostrowska, Tadeusz Nowak, Krzysztof Zieliński, along with Waldemar Ostrowski himself – prepared a touching biographical presentation that highlighted not only Ordonówna’s artistic legacy but also her difficult experiences in exile and her unwavering strength during challenging times.
A particularly moving moment was the musical segment – Anna Kucay performed selected songs from Ordonka’s repertoire with great charm and emotional depth. Her voice, full of feeling and nostalgia, brought tears to many eyes. For a brief moment, time stood still, and we were all immersed in the spirit of a bygone era.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in creating this beautiful event. Thanks to you, the spirit of Hanka Ordonówna was once again with us – vivid, inspiring, and unforgettable.
We look forward to future gatherings where we can continue to explore and celebrate the richness of Polish culture together.We proudly preserve the memory of our history and the great individuals who shaped it — and those who continue to shape it today.
