Mountains and skiing
Witold Rowicki loved resting actively. He often jogged, was a perfect swimmer, and had a great affection for mountains and skiing. Together with his family he often stayed in Zakopane or Szczyrk or in the Austrian or French Alps. Difficult routes were for him a nice challenge. He was as much passionate about high mountain climbing. He conquered the Tatra mountain peaks often accompanied by his friends: Wawrzyniec Żuławski (alpinist, mountaineer and composer), his brother Juliusz (poet), Arno Puškas (famous Slovak mountaineer) and Andrzej Bachleda from Zakopane (artist and singer).
Car friend
Just like Herbert von Karajan loved flying a plane himself, Witold Rowicki was fond of driving his cars. He could talk about cars for hours. He was a member of an automobile club in Warsaw. He visited car manufacturing facilities. He loved driving fast in cars of very good makes. "When on the road, I know I am safe – he said – at most I may have a crash for which I am not to blame but I will never be accused of driving at improper speed".
Dog cat
Witold Rowicki loved animals. Dogs and cats were permanent residents in his home. When travelling abroad, he always found time to feed pigeons or visit ZOO to see hippopotamuses living there. Dogs, cats and other animals were charming objects of the films he recorded. You may see them in section VIDEO.
Mementoes
You will find here private documents and personal items connected with Witold Rowicki. They include school certificates, various school and membership cards, scanned signature and even a business card of the Maestro. Plus photo collages, cigars with his name – a gift from the President Marcos’ wife after the concert in the Philippines – and a legendary tailcoat he wore when performing. The collection is supplemented with texts published in the press after the Maestro’s death.
With dedication
You will find here numerous tokens of liking received by the Maestro. They include telegrams, flower cards, visiting cards and postcards. Their authors are famous artists, friends and collaborators but also anonymous admirers who wanted to share their thoughts with him. Witty, funny, often slightly ironic – they make great and interesting reading. See for yourself!