The Connecticut River Valley is home to some 300,000 Polish Americans. In the heart of this Polonia lies New Britain, Connecticut, where the Fryderyk Chopin Society first emerged in 1995 under the leadership of its founder, Polish pianist Slawomir Dobrzanski. Under the auspices of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, the Frederyk Chopin Society of Connecticut has presented recitals by pianists from around the globe and of all generations. On one occasion after another, as the brilliance, gripping artistic vision and emotional depth of these extraordinary artists galvanized the largely Polish audience, the mission of the FCS became charged with a profound sense of importance. What has become clear is that the concerts of the FCS can make a substantial contribution, if not transform the cultural lives of the residents of Connecticut.