The ‘Gaude Mater’ International Festival of Sacred Music begins in Częstochowa with a concert starring the famous jazz volicalist Bobby McFerrin, making his first appearance in Poland with an orchestra.

Tomorrow Retrospect Ensemble from Britain conducted by Matthew Halls will perform Handel’s Messiah, while the final concert of the event on 3 May will feature Krzysztof Penderecki’s Seven Gates of Jerusalem, under the composer’s baton.

The programme of the festival, now in its 20th year, comprises music of the three monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

In addition to leading Polish ensembles, the festival has attracted the Morphing Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Rozaneh Ensemble from Iran, the Vilnius Municipal Choir, the Schola Gregoriana Pragensis from Prague, The Sakala Brothers from Zambia, cantor Joseph Malovany from the United States, and musicians from Russia, Syria, Turkey, Austria and France. They represent a wide range of traditions and styles.

The concerts are held in the city’s churches, including the Black Madonna shrine, and concert halls. (mk)