On 15-19 May 2019, the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic in Białystok will host the 38th International Festival of Orthodox Music "Hajnówka".
The event, which has been held since 1982, is the largest church music festival in Poland. The aim of the Festival is to present the great artistic and spiritual values of Orthodox Church music. In 1995, the Ministry of Culture proclaimed it as having the 0th category, thus putting the festival on a par with the Chopin Competition and the International Festival of Contemporary Music „Warsaw Autumn”. Every year, the festival gathers choirs from around the world. This year's auditions will be attended by 27 ensembles from 11 countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Russia, Estonia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Serbia, Poland and Ghana.
The choristers are evaluated by an international jury composed of the most distinguished composers and church conductors. For many years the jury has been led by Romuald Twardowski – an outstanding Polish composer and teacher. His works will also be included in the competition programme. The concerts will take place not only in Bialystok, but also in other cities. This year, participants of the Festival will perform in as many as 20 cities: Warsaw, Legionowo, Sokole, Narwia, Hajnówka, Bielsko Podlaski, Wasilków, Michałów, Krynki, Białowieża, Ciechanowiec, Sejny, Szczuczyn, Studzianki, Zduńska Wola, Krasnystaw, Orla, Augustów, Mielnik and Dąbrowa Białostocka.
The Festival is held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda as well as the Artistic Patronage of Krzysztof Penderecki, the Polish Composers' Union and the President of the City of Białystok.
More information at: http://festiwal-hajnowka.pl/