For the fortieth time, choirs from all over the world will perform in Poland at the largest and most prestigious Festival of Orthodox Music. The International Festival of Orthodox Church Music "Hajnówka" in Białystok will be held on 21-26 September 2021.
The International Festival of Orthodox Music "Hajnówka" is the first event in the world presenting Orthodox music from the beginning of Christianity to modern times, with particular emphasis on music written by Polish composers. Choir singers compete for prestigious awards in a competition judged by a jury consisting of the most eminent composers and conductors of church singing. For many years the jury has been chaired by Romuald Twardowski, an outstanding Polish composer and teacher. During the Festival, church music is performed by choirs regardless of nationality and religion – secular choirs, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Greek Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews. The Festival has been held continuously since 1982.
32 choirs from 18 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa have been qualified and invited to participate in the anniversary edition of the Festival. The culmination of the five-day music event will be a unique gala concert. In addition to the laureates, the concert will feature a choir who won the first edition of the Festival in 1982 – the Jerzy Szurbak Orthodox Church Music Ensemble, as well as outstanding soloists, including Jadwiga Rappe. The ensemble will also perform on 19 September at the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Bemowo, Warsaw.
The patron of the Festival is the Polish Composers' Union.
Full programme: www.festiwal-hajnowka.pl