Funeral ceremonies of the late Tomasz Stańko were held on Friday at the Powązki Military Cemetary. The last farewell to the legend of Polish jazz was attented by his family, friends and various artists.
Tomasz Stańko has left a void impossible to fill; fortunately, his moving and inspiring jazz which makes us better people, is still with us - the deputy PM and minister of culture Piotr Gliński wrote in a letter read out during the funeral ceremonies of the musician.
The letter also reads that Tomasz Stańko was "one the most distinguished contributors to Polish culture, a great artist of a world-wide caliber, acclaimed and admired since the 1960s".
Tomasz Stańko was a trumpeter, composer and arranger. He was one of the most important jazz musicians of Polish and European scene.
Stańko collaborated with pianist Krzysztof Komeda on Komeda's album "Astigmatic", recorded in late 1965. It is often considered to be Komeda's masterpiece as well as one of the greatest albums of both Polish and European jazz.
His Quintet from 1968-1973 period is considered one of the best-ever bands in Polish jazz. Stańko recorded some 40 original albums, he composed movie scores. He received many awards, including European Jazz Prize in 2003.
Tomasz Stańko died on 29 July in oncological hospital in Warsaw. He was 76. Several months earlier he was dignosed with lung cancer.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, PAP