From January 1919, Jan Paderewski was the third Prime Minister of Poland and at that time represented Poland at the Paris Peace Conference that formalized terms soon after the end of WWI. He came to that role after being a world renowned concert pianist and composer. In fact, his worldwide fame gave him access to diplomats and the media and spoke on behalf of Polish independence in over 300 speeches and raised millions in aid for Poland. In 1922 he resigned from all political posts and resumed his musical career, touring internationally, and in 1923 was awarded an honorary Doctorate from USC as well as honors from Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia and others. Before World War I he also bought land in California's San Luis Obispo county where he planted orchards and grapes, contributing to the Central Coast winemaking region. Now, every November, the central coast
Paderewski Festival celebrates his music and wine. Prime Minister Paderewski's 1889 Piano Concerto in A-minor is today's Midday Masterpiece.
