Musical Events of 2024 – Summary

Musical Events of 2024 – Summary

We have just concluded another successful year of Polish-Norwegian cooperation, which resulted in the organization of the IV International Monika Swarowska-Walawska Festival. This year’s concerts took place in exceptional locations, such as the St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków, the Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, square in Krzeszowice and Tenczyn Castle.

The year 2024, full of exceptional artistic events, is slowly coming to an end. We have just concluded another successful year of Polish-Norwegian cooperation, which resulted in the organization of the IV International Monika Swarowska-Walawska Festival. This year’s concerts took place in exceptional locations, such as the Mariacka Basilica in Kraków, the Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and Tenczyn Castle.

As part of the festival, the IV International Monika Swarowska-Walawska Vocal Competition was also held from [please insert dates] in Krzeszowice. This year’s honorary guest was the distinguished tenor Ryszard Karczykowski, an internationally renowned artist who for years captivated audiences at the world’s major opera houses, including Covent Garden in London and the Wiener Staatsoper. Known for his unparalleled vocal technique and extraordinary musicianship, Karczykowski also shares his experience as a respected pedagogue, mentoring new generations of singers.

During the festival, we had the pleasure of collaborating with outstanding artists, among others

• Arnold Rutkowski – a world-renowned tenor who has performed at the National Opera in Warsaw, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
• Jon Fylling – a conductor and Norwegian bass-baritone, known for his deep voice and expressive interpretations of sacred and operatic repertoire.
• Monika Świostek – a soprano praised for her exceptional voice color and interpretative artistry, regularly performing on stages in Poland and abroad.
• Jadwiga Postrożna – a mezzo-soprano whose extensive repertoire spans both opera and oratorio works, admired for her stage presence and vocal technique.
• Julia Fercho – a mezzo-soprano with a warm voice and a gentle spirit, sharing her talent with children’s workshop groups.
• Sylwia Frączek – this year’s laureate of the International Monika Swarowska-Walawska Vocal Competition, whose interpretation was appreciated by both the jury and the audience.
• Krzysztof Aureliusz Łuczyński – a distinguished tenor, who charmed audiences with his subtle interpretations of musical works, and the artistic director of the festival.
• Katarzyna Haras – a mezzo-soprano, who delighted the audience with her sensitivity and vocal perfection.
• Jacek Ozimkowski – Dean of the Vocal Department at the Kraków Academy of Music, a baritone.
• Agata Kobierska – a professor at the Academy of Music in Katowice.
• Ole Jørgen Kristiansen – a Norwegian baritone with exceptional musicality, known for numerous performances on international opera and concert stages. His voice, full of expression and depth, enriched this year’s concerts, leaving an unforgettable impression on listeners.

International Musical Cooperation
As part of our collaboration with Norwegian artistic institutions, our team actively participated in events organized by the Historisk Museum in Oslo, adding vibrancy to the events.

Chamber Concerts
After the festival, chamber concerts were organized as its artistic echo. The most beautiful operatic and sacred works resonated in Krościenko nad Dunajcem (Amfiteatr „Pod Wierzbą”), in the church in Tenczynek, and at the Monastery in Alwerni. These events featured excellent artists, including Krzysztof Aureliusz Łuczyński, Sylwia Frączek, Katarzyna Haras, Katarzyna Mandla, Kamila Buś-Spadlińska, Justyna Skowronek, and Anna Głowa-Łobodzińska, who added an unforgettable character to the events with their performances.

Numerous chamber concerts were also performed by Krzysztof Aureliusz Łuczyński, Michalina Mikłosz, and Justyna Skowronek (classical guitar).

Rehearsals of the team are currently held in Oslo, at Hallagerbakken 26.

The year 2024 will be remembered as another stage of intense work and artistic successes, which not only helped promote musical culture but also strengthened international cooperation. We look forward to what the next year will bring!