Flavors of the Caucasus and Hints of the Next Journey
This extraordinary evening would not have been complete without culinary pleasures to soothe our guests' senses after the artistic emotions. The audience had the opportunity to taste authentic Armenian delicacies alongside delicious, homemade cakes brought straight from our beloved Leśna cafe. For this massive help with organizing the event and for their big hearts, we send our warmest thanks to our gallery friends: Renata Ślusarz-Caputa, Baśka Supłat, Zbyszek, and Ignacy Caputa. You, dear residents of Bielsko-Biała, proved once again that you are exceptional. Sharing these journeys into the heart of different cultures through sound and image is a source of pure pride! The emotion from this meeting hasn't even faded yet, and we are already preparing the next expedition for you—we will head East once more, this time a bit further, so keep an eye out for details!
Melodies of Komitas and the Mystical Voice of the Duduk
Following a powerful dose of literary and historical inspiration, it was time for what everyone had been waiting for—the mystical, musical heart of the evening. As the hosts, Damasiewicz Miguła Duo, we took to the stage to fulfill our promise and play traditional compositions. We performed moving pieces and our own interpretations of works by the legendary Komitas Vardapet, recognized as the father of modern Armenian music. However, it was the duduk—the most beautiful, traditional Armenian wooden instrument—that resonated most profoundly within the gallery walls, its melancholic, deep sound touching the hardest of hearts. The music blended perfectly with the spoken word as Tatev and Justyna read poetry aloud, allowing us to hear the authentic cadence of the Armenian language.
A Deep Tale That Stopped the Clock
Our wonderful guests spoke about Armenia with extraordinary passion and immense knowledge, instantly casting a spell over the entire room. Leading us through the hidden corners of the Armenian soul was Tatev Khachatryan—a resident of Yerevan who translates Polish poetry into Armenian. She revealed to us the true beauty of her native language, culture, and literature. She was accompanied by the remarkable Dr. Krzysztof Jabłonka, who brought the centuries-old, rich history of Polish Armenians to life in a captivating way. We expected a fascinating lecture, but the storytelling was so engaging and profound that even as organizers, we completely lost track of time and forgot our roles.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, our cozy space at 12/2 Sobieskiego Street in Bielsko-Biała transformed into a portal to one of the oldest and most fascinating corners of the world. The Armenian Evening turned out to be a beautiful, exceptional time that completely blurred the lines between history and the present day. The interest from the residents of Bielsko-Biała exceeded our wildest expectations, filling the gallery with people eager for cultural discovery. What was particularly moving and magical for us was that several people of Armenian descent were in the audience. For them, this special Sunday became a deep, personal journey into their own identity and roots.