The Paderewski Festival seeks to cultivate the musical life and creativity of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who enriched the lives of millions around the world through his performances, including four in Raleigh. The Festival further seeks to honor his efforts in returning Poland to sovereign political status.

The Festival honors Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who played a prominent role on the international stage during World War I and contributed significantly to the reestablishment of Poland as a sovereign state.

Paderewski played three times in Raleigh (January 23, 1917; November 23, 1923; April 28, 1939) and once in Durham (January 8, 1931).  He had here a personal friend in the remarkable person of Mary Lee Swann McMillan, who had been secretary to his wife, Helena Paderewska, for almost four years from 1915 through 1918.