Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), Poland’s greatest Romantic period composer, is not just a famous Pole, but a citizen of the world. The brilliant Frédéric can also be linked to Wielkopolska. The composer’s mother, Justyna Krzyżanowska, was a native of Wielkopolska. Her sister Tekla Dorota and brother Stanisław – father of the future American Civil War hero Włodzimierz Bonawentura Krzyżanowski (1808-95) – both lived in the regional capital.

Significantly, Chopin signed up for a 10-day stay at Antonin (Ostrów Wielkopolski County) in late October – early November 1829. Chopin had been there previously (1827-1829). This time, as evidenced in his correspondence to his friends, he also composed, gave music lessons to his host’s daughters and revelled in this distinguished music lover’s hospitality. Chopin’s acquaintance with Antoni Radziwiłł is preserved in the dedications he wrote for such youthful works as the Polonaise in C major Op. 3 for piano and cello and the Trio in G minor Op. 8 for piano, violin and cello. Chopin also stayed in Strzyżew, OstrówWielkopolski, Kalisz, Żychlin (Konin County) and Turek while passing through.