The 18th edition of the ‘Kolori Polski’ [The Colors of Poland] Festival, organized by the Łódź Philharmonic, takes place during the weekends from June to September 2017. This Festival celebrates appreciation for classical music and for the history, folk traditions and architecture of Łódź.

Nearly all of the twenty concerts will be performed in a different venues, including old churches and monasteries; mysterious castles and museums; valuable exhibits; and parks and forest glades. Listening to music in such places differs from the traditional concert experience offered by the Philharmonic during the fall/spring season. Projects inspired by folk culture, old art and unconventional arrangements of classical and popular music—many created newly for the Festival—dominate in the program. Audiences have the chance to hear not only well established artists but also musicians just starting their careers. Some features offered to those who are not afraid to experience something new include: rare instruments, folk artists sharing the stage with professionals, and courageous improvisations.

On August 20, one of the highlight concerts of the Festival will feature proMODERN contemporary vocal ensemble performing at a church in Krośniewice. Composed of six outstanding singers, this ensemble has attracted a lot of attention from composers who either wrote specifically for them or made arrangements for the group. They have performed these new works all across Poland, proving that contemporary music can be beautiful and approachable.

Since 2016 was widely celebrated as the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, proMODERN ensemble prepared a special project, “ShakeSpired,” which includes works by Polish composers written especially for the occasion. They were commissioned and co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage program, “Collections—Composers’ Commissions Prioritized” and administered by the Institute of Music and Dance. The August 20 concert will include works by Miłosz Bembinow, Krzesimir Dębski, Krzysztof Herdzin, Paweł Łukaszewski, Stanisław Moryto, Tomasz Opałka, Dariusz Przybyski, and Maciej Zieliński.

August 20, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.
Kolori Polski: proMODERN’s “ShakeSpired”
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
ul. Łęczycka 5, Krośniewice, Poland
FREE Admission

[Sources: polmic.plfilharmonia.lodz.pl]