Half concert, half play, half ballet, and half operetta — Ludwik Grossman’s “Ghost of the Governor” at the Polish National Opera
Once well-known in the 19th century, Ludwik Grossman (1835–1915)—composer, pianist, choral conductor, and entrepreneur — is now largely forgotten. His career balanced between performing on the piano and organizing concerts. Although he composed operas, songs, and symphonic pieces, and even earned praise from Rossini, his works never gained a permanent place in the European classical repertoire and were overshadowed in Poland by towering figures like Stanisław Moniuszko. More a hands-on practitioner and producer than a self-promoting artist, Grossman lacked the grand artistic ego that often helps secure a lasting legacy. More than 150 years after its premiere, the Polish National Opera brings back “Ghost of the Governor.” The work enjoyed success during Grossman’s lifetime, with performances in Warsaw, Vienna, Krakow, Pest, St. Petersburg, Lviv, Graz, Cieplice and Berlin, before fading into obscurity.
It is difficult to assign this lighthearted, witty comedy to a single genre. According to the Polish National Opera website, it is a blend of many styles: opera buffa with elements of vaudeville and operetta, while the motif of disguising as a ghost refers to the French theme of the highly popular “The White Lady” by François-Adrien Boieldieu. The complex and absurd love intrigue, created by Władysław Ludwik Anczyc, tells the story of the owner of the mountain spa Fékéte, who tries to appease vacationers complaining about poor accommodation conditions when guests from Warsaw arrive: Helenka, her aunt – Councillor’s Widow, and the Chairman. Councillor’s Widow attempts to force Helenka into marrying the Chairman. However, she resists the marriage, as she is in love with her former teacher Leon, who unexpectedly arrives at the spa.
The cast of the single performance — which offers a mix of a concert version and a staged production — includes, among others, Małgorzata Walewska, a singer who has never before performed in operetta. Asked why she agreed to appear in this genre, she replied: In July, I will turn 60, I’m in great shape, and I happily accepted the role of Councillor’s Widow. The part is a combination of great fun and ambitious singing. Moreover, it is an acting role! We have an outstanding conductor, a stellar cast, and director Cezary Tomaszewski, who is flexible regarding our suggestions. He only asks that we perform with cinematic style.
Even when offstage many conversations revolve around Councillor’s Widow. Asked about the role, Walewska explains: If we look into Polish operatic literature, Councillor’s Widow can be compared to Cześnikowa from “The Haunted Manor.” Both roles are similar in terms of complexity and performance difficulty. Both ladies are schemers. Councillor’s Widow, Filomena Zrzędzińska, however, unlike Moniuszko’s character, is a snob focused mainly on herself. She treats everyone condescendingly and puts them in their place. Despite being 50 years old, she’s brimming with sexual energy and has a noticeable eye for young men. She is always the center of attention! Isn’t that the perfect role for me?”
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The orchestra of the Polish National Opera will be conducted by Marta Kluczyńska — the creator and conductor of the concert series dedicated to forgotten Polish operas. The performance is directed by Cezary Tomaszewski, a Paszport Polityki nominee known for innovative and original opera and theater productions. Asked whether “Ghost of the Governor” will be a concert or a staged performance, they answer it will be half concert, half play, half ballet, and half operetta. They assure audiences that Grossman’s surprising and joyful work is a mix of genuine hits with no weak moments.
Who? What? Where? When?
“Ghost of the Governor”, Ludwik Grossman
Polish National Opera
June 3, 2025