Help Weronika fly to the USA for a competition!

Go Fun(d Me)!

I’m so excited! I’ve been accepted to the Mae and Irving Jurow International Harpsichord Competition - the biggest harpsichord competition in the US. I feel happy and honoured, but also humbled. This fantastic event was supposed to take place in August 2020... and didn’t, for pandemic-related reasons. Now, the semi-final and final rounds are finally happening on 4 - 7th of August 2021.

https://www.facebook.com/Jurow-Harpsichord-Competition-2021-2426518754034105
 
I don’t have to tell you that the past year has been difficult. The prospect of this competition has helped me maintain motivation and positivity in the most difficult times. The vision of participating in this fascinating event, travel to a new destination (seriously, I’ve never been further west than Edinburgh, UK!), meeting outstanding harpsichordists - this all gave me hope, a feeling of purpose, and focus on this beautiful goal. For months I was looking forward to this particular event.

And after a year of hardship, when the time for the competition is coming, I need to ask you for help. I cannot afford to fly to the US without your support. Will you help me?


Detailed costs

Current situation has complicated my plans. With the Proclamation forbidding entry to the US for travellers from the Schengen area still in force, I must leave Europe for two weeks prior to crossing the US border. Following the example of fellow European musicians in a similar situation, I will be travelling to the US through Latin America. Thanks to the humbling generosity of a friend, I have ensured accomodation in Mexico, and need to be there by July 19 at the latest. What I need help with are the flight tickets - and the average prices for the summer season are as follows:

Zurich - Mexico City: 1600 €
Mexico City - St. Paul: 600 €
St. Paul - Zurich: 1800 €

Total: 4000 €

On top of that, I need 1000 € for health insurance for travel - as I am chronically ill, more affordable insurance plans sadly don’t apply in my case.


My background

Harpsichord and Early Music have always been my passion. I’ve been playing keyboard instruments since the age of 4. After graduating from a specialised High School of Music in Warsaw, Poland, I spent the past few years in Basel, Switzerland, studying the harpsichord, organ, and soon also medieval keyboard instruments. I feel incredibly glad and blessed to have been able to study and work in such an inspiring, rewarding environment. I love learning, working on my further development, and pursuing artistic goals that help me grow beyond my limits.

https://klosiewicz-paine.com

https://youtu.be/KwMR2Z9-zz4

https://youtube.com/channel/UCWXIBh5YI2aZ63CrnThTExg

Why bother?

I was asked by a friend, ‘But is it worth the fuss?!’, and I had no doubt that the answer is ‘YES!’. It’s the biggest harpsichord competition in the US; I’ve wanted to participate in this particular event for years, and never had a chance to do so; it allows to meet a different network of musicians than in Europe; during the competition we’ll have the chance to participate in workshops and a conference, and to perform live in other venues; if accepted to the final round, I will have a rare possibility to perform as a soloist with an orchestra; and last but not least, I’d love to visit the US, even if just for a few days. I really hope this dream of mine can come true this time!

All help matters - I mean it!

It is a humbling experience, to rely on others to fulfil my dream. All I can hope is that you see the value in my dream and are able to help me in realising it. Let me assure you that all help is meaningful and appreciated! Every single euro/dollar/frank/złoty counts and brings me joy. If you can’t afford to donate, please share this page, spread the word - maybe a friend of a friend will be interested in helping out? Whatever the form of your help, I am genuinely thankful for all support!