Polky / Marta Solek & Michael K. Harrist

Toronto's Polky, led by multi-talented immigrant female musicians, delights audiences with Eastern European-style traditional vocals, unusual instruments, and energizing performances. Drawing deep inspiration from Poland's rich cultural tapestry, they push musical boundaries by fearlessly blending Polish traditional music with sounds and rhythms from across the globe.

Polky stands out for its distinctive elements, including the mesmerizing Eastern European-style traditional vocals and incorporating the 'suka,' an ancient lap fiddle reconstructed from historical paintings. Lead singer Ewelina Ferenc earned the prestigious Traditional Singer of The Year title at the 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Marta Solek is an accomplished suka virtuoso who has performed alongside esteemed Polish artists like Same Suki, Maria Pomianowska, and Nikola Kołodziejczyk. Through their performances, Polky introduces Polish culture to North American audiences, embodying the role of cultural ambassadors for Polish modern traditions.

Marta Solek & Michael K. Harrist are a duo that bridges continents and centuries through their unparalleled musical collaboration. Marta brings her expertise in traditional Polish knee fiddles, lyra, and classical cello. At the same time, Michael's mastery of various instruments, from contrabass to Turkish yaylı tanbur, adds depth and richness to their sound. Together, they blend ancient sounds and contemporary influences, weaving a tapestry of melodies that transcend cultural boundaries. Whether drawing from Polish folk melodies, Turkish Makams or Hindustani raga, their music speaks to the universal themes of longing, love, and the human experience, creating a harmonious journey that resonates with listeners around the globe.

This concert is supported by the Polish Cultural Institute New York.