A Poetic Take on Chopin. A One-of-a-Kind Concert at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

On August 29, 2025, in Osaka, as part of Fryderyk Chopin Week, vocalist Natalia Kukulska will perform together with invited guests and musicians of the National Philharmonic Orchestra. The artists will present the exceptional project “Tender Strings” (Czułe struny) – the world’s first interpretation of Fryderyk Chopin’s works in words. The concert is organized by Poland Pavilion, whose artistic events enjoy an exceptionally warm reception.

“Tender Strings” is the largest artistic production in the Polish phonographic market and a globally unprecedented project, engaging nearly 100 people. Selected works of Fryderyk Chopin have, for the very first time, been reimagined as symphonic pieces enriched with original lyrics.

— With “Tender Strings” we touch Chopin’s music – sophisticated and monumental. It required courage from us. Yet if we could pour our hearts and skills into this music, and if such sensitive and talented people as my guests worked together on this project, then it was worth seizing this unique opportunity to create something beautiful, new, while still reminding us of the greatness of the original — says Natalia Kukulska.

Chopin’s works received new, multi-layered arrangements for 30 instruments by five outstanding Polish composers and arrangers: Krzysztof Herdzin, Nikola Kołodziejczyk, Adam Sztaba, Paweł Tomaszewski, and Jan Smoczyński.

The “Tender Strings” recording also featured acclaimed musicians, including Robert Kubiszyn, Michał Dąbrówka, Piotr Wrombel, and the distinguished pianist Janusz Olejniczak, whose interpretations of Chopin are admired worldwide. Sound direction and mixing were handled by renowned Polish music producer Leszek Kamiński.

“Tender Strings” Live in Osaka – A Unique Collaboration

During the Osaka concert “Tender Strings”, Natalia Kukulska will perform together with the musicians of the National Philharmonic Orchestra as part of a unique collaboration prepared especially for Expo 2025. They will be joined on stage by artists who co-created the project:

Adam Sztaba – pianist, conductor, and music producer. He has worked with world-renowned artists such as Sting, José Carreras, Quincy Jones, Chris Botti, and Michael Bolton. He is also widely known as a juror and music director for popular TV shows.

Krzysztof Herdzin – one of the most versatile Polish musicians, equally at home in classical, jazz, and pop music. He is a composer, film music orchestrator, conductor, pianist, producer, and respected academic lecturer.

Jan Smoczyński – Polish jazz musician, pianist, and acclaimed music producer. At Expo 2025, during Chopin Week, he will also perform with the LIS trio alongside Japanese vocalist Phew.

Nikola Kołodziejczyk – award-winning Polish jazz pianist, composer, and conductor. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, he will also present a specially composed jazz concert suite at the Jazz from Poland in Japan 2025 festival.

Among the musicians accompanying Natalia Kukulska will be Michał Dąbrówka – a drummer fluent in every genre and multiple winner of drumming awards – as well as Jan Dąbrówka, Michał Kapczuk, and Paweł Tomaszewski.

An integral part of the performance will be visuals inspired by the “Connected Reality” collection of Polish fashion designer Viola Śpiechowicz.

The project, performed by Natalia Kukulska and the National Philharmonic Orchestra, is currently a unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity worldwide to experience Chopin’s works interpreted in words, live. Although the lyrics are in Polish, every audience member will be able to follow them thanks to a special QR code linking to Japanese translations. “Tender Strings” concert will take place on August 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the EXPO Arena Matsuri in Osaka. Admission is free (Expo ticket required). Standing, unnumbered places only.
The program for Fryderyk Chopin Week and other artistic events organized by Poland Pavilion can be found at: expo.gov.pl/polska-na-expo/wydarzenia