An open-air concert of the famous German countertenor Andreas Scholl has inaugurated the 21st ‘Gaude Mater’ International Festival of Sacred Music in Częstochowa.

The programme of the week-long event includes a wide range of traditions and styles, from the Gregorian chant and Orthodox music to Gospel, European early music and large-scale oratorios.

The festival ends with the performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand for 8 soloists, three choirs and two orchestras.

The highlights of the event include a concert by The King's Singers, one of the most acclaimed vocal ensembles in the world. A special multicultural project addressed to young people focuses on Kurdish and Japanese cultures.

The ‘Gaude Mater’ Festival promotes the music of the three monoteistic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam, as well as sacred music by Polish composers. The event was launched in 1991. (mk)