Professional and amateur orthodox choirs from the world over as well as secular ensembles and representatives of other denominations are gathering in Białystok and Hajnówka, eastern Poland, for two festivals of orthodox church music held there in May.
In this region live most representatives of the Orthodox faith in Poland.
The 29th International Festival of Orthodox Music takes place in Białystok, with concerts at the Opera and Philharmonic. The event originated in Hajnówka, but was transferred in 2001. The 29th edition of the Festival starts on May 19 and will be specially devoted to composer Romuald Twardowski, chairman of the Festival Jury of many years. His “Kiev Liturgy” will be performed at the opening gala by the Russian Academic Capella from Moscow, last year’s laureate.
The Festival in Hajnówka this year starts on May 9. It is organized under the patronage of the Polish Orthodox Church and brings together mainly parish choirs.
One of the reasons for the transfer of the original Orthodox Music Festival to Białystok was the objection that it had evolved from a gathering of amateur religious choirs into a mostly secular concert event. Nonetheless, the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music in Białystok has developed into one of the major such festivals in the world and is held under the patronage of the Polish President and Culture Minister. (ek)