Elena Polonska is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on December 23, 1949, in Paris, France, Polonska grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Wladyslaw Polonski, was a composer and conductor, while her mother, Maria Polonska, was a harpist. Polonska's parents played a significant role in her early musical education, and she began playing the harp at the age of six. Polonska's talent and dedication to music were evident from a young age. She studied at the Conservatoire National de Musique de Paris, where she received a first prize in harp performance at the age of 16. She continued her studies at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, where she received a diploma in harp performance. Polonska's career as a professional musician began in the early 1970s when she joined the Orchestre National de France as a harpist. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and was soon invited to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to her work as a soloist and orchestral musician, Polonska has also made significant contributions to the world of chamber music. She has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and pianist Martha Argerich. Polonska's performances have been widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the highest honor awarded by the French government for contributions to the arts. One of Polonska's most significant achievements was her role in the revival of the harp in traditional Breton music. In the 1970s, Polonska began exploring the traditional music of Brittany, a region in northwest France known for its distinctive musical traditions. She was struck by the beauty and complexity of the music and began incorporating it into her performances. Polonska's work in promoting Breton music and culture has had a significant impact on the region. She has collaborated with numerous Breton musicians and has helped to bring the music to a wider audience through her recordings and performances. In recognition of her contributions to Breton music, Polonska was awarded the title of "Bard of Brittany" in 1997. Polonska's dedication to music has also led her to explore other musical traditions from around the world. She has collaborated with musicians from India, Japan, and Africa, among other places, and has incorporated elements of these traditions into her performances. Despite her many achievements, Polonska remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and record, and her passion for music is evident in every note she plays. Her contributions to the world of music have been significant, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest harpists of her generation.

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