Irena Santor, the iconic figure of Polish music, celebrated her 90th birthday on December 9, with tributes pouring in from friends, fans, and fellow artists. Known for her incredible vocal talent and passionate performances, Santor's contributions to the cultural life of Poland have spanned decades.
To mark this special occasion, Santor visited the morning show Dzień Dobry TVN, where she reminisced about her remarkable career and the significant moments of her life. She reflected on her early days, fondly remembering her arrival at the Polish Folklore Center "Karolin" on September 5, 1951, where she embarked on her largest adventure—joining the legendary ensemble, Mazowsze.
"This is the place where, at the age of 15, I came to my greatest adventure. I took the exam supposedly singing with ease, but quite unaware of what was happening," Santor shared on the show.
Her ascent to fame wasn't just about musical talent but also the emotional bonds she formed during her career. "My husband, who was also my great support, told me to follow my dreams and assured me he would help me every step of the way. He knew the unpredictability of this profession," Santor added, highlighting the personal sacrifices and challenges she faced.
Her 90th birthday is not just a time for celebration but also marks the beginning of her farewell. Santor announced her special concert tour, emphasizing its importance as she bids adieu to her audience. "For me, this tour is significant because I finally get to say goodbye properly to the public and express gratitude for everything I have experienced thanks to them. I am incredibly grateful for their warmth, patience, feelings, and good memories they've shared with me," she stressed publicly.
This farewell tour, set to kick off on February 10, 2025, will feature 15 concerts, showcasing Santor alongside esteemed colleagues such as Alicja Majewska, Krzysztof Cugowski, and Igor Herbut. The concerts will take place across several cities, including Kraków, Lublin, and Rzeszów, with ticket prices starting at 169 PLN.
Despite her age, Santor's passion for performance remains intact. Acknowledging past health challenges, including battling cancer, she expressed her resilience. "My life has come full circle. I am happy and fulfilled, and as long as I can still give something of myself, I hope to live as long as possible because I am selfish. But if my songs live on, I will be happy, as each song contains a little trace of me—I'll live on as long as people sing them," she reflected.
Santor's commitment to her craft and her audience is unwavering. Acknowledging the impact of her past, she often discusses her struggles with health and personal loss—most heartbreakingly, the death of her newborn daughter 64 years ago, which she described as feels incredibly personal.
"That moment when I found out was the hardest of my life," she stated. Santor also addressed her struggles with breast cancer, diagnosed at 76. Her willingness to speak out has drawn attention to the importance of early screenings and education about the disease, stating, "Women often underestimate how dangerous cancer is. We must advocate for our health and get checked regularly. Cancer is truly repulsive."
The outpouring of love and support during her birthday celebration showed how deeply Santor is cherished not only for her talent but for her resilience and humanity. Her friends shared anecdotes, describing her as someone who could even make reading from the phone book sound mesmerizing—a nod to her royal articulation and stage presence.
Włodzimierz Korcz, composer and collaborator, shared his thoughts on working with Santor, emphasizing her strong will and character. "Working with Irena isn't the easiest, as she stands by her opinions fiercely," he said. "But winning her over once is one of my life's greatest accomplishments."
After many years as both performer and public figure, Irena Santor remains as influential today as she was when she first stepped onto the stage. Her legacy will surely endure, with fans flocking to her concerts and carrying her songs through generations. This remarkable milestone is not just her birthday but also serves as both a reminder of her past and the promise of her future—the concerts, the memories, and the heartfelt connection between Santor and her audience continue to flourish.
With her farewell tour on the horizon, it’s clear Irena Santor intends to leave her mark long after she steps off the stage for the final time. Whatever life brings, it’s her music and spirit—which span generations—that will likely be cherished forever.
