Magdalena Solarz – Artistic Director & President of WICI Chicago Magdalena Solarz is the founder and Artistic Director of the WICI Song & Dance Company, also known as Zespół Pieśni i Tańca "Wici". She also serves as the President of the organization, which operates as a non-profit under the Polish National Alliance. She emigrated from Poland to Chicago in 1974, bringing with her a rich cultural heritage. Her grandparents, Zofia and Ignacy Solarz, were notable cultural educators, founders of the first Polish University of People (Uniwersytet Ludowy). Magdalena continues and honors those traditions through her leadership of WICI. She received the prestigious Gold Cross of Merit from the Polish government for her outstanding contributions in promoting Polish culture through dance and music. She has also been honored as a Master Teacher by the Illinois Department of Arts and received multiple state grants supporting Ethnic Arts Programs in Illinois. Her contributions have been recognized with commendatory letters from several dignitaries, including President George W. Bush, Illinois Governors Jim Edgar and George Ryan, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, and state treasurer Judy Baar Topinka. Under her guidance, WICI comprises around 80 adult dancers, singers, and musicians, supplemented by youth and children's divisions with approximately 200 children. The ensemble tours extensively, performing across the U.S., as well as internationally in Poland, Canada, Mexico, Italy, and the Caribbean. Their rich repertoire spans national Polish dances such as the Polonaise, Mazur, Krakowiak, Kujawiak, Oberek, and regional suites, all rooted in authentic music and song, enhanced by traditional handmade costumes. Notable collaborations include performing with the International Music Theater in “Halka” and “Straszny Dwór”, partnering with ballet and opera companies in productions like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, The Haunted Manor, Halka, and The Bat. Her troupe also featured prominently in the 50th anniversary celebrations, including theatrical-musical productions styled after Polish folk traditions, with choreography inspired by works of Zofia Solarzowa, directed by Magdalena Solarz and co-director Iwona Puc. WICI’s mission is to sustain and promote Polish culture across generations through community engagement, education, and performance. The organization is also deeply integrated in the Polish National Alliance, serving as its official cultural ambassador since 1983.