CHRISTMAS STORY | Krzyżowski | Chamber Orchestra

Performers: Mateusz Krzyżowski — piano

Daehwan Kim — conductor

Silesian Chamber Orchestra

Program: Fryderyk Chopin — Nocturne in C minor for piano and string orchestra

Fryderyk Chopin — Scherzo in B minor op. 20 for piano and string orchestra

Mieczysław Karłowicz — Waltz from Serenade Op. 2 for string orchestra

Claude Debussy — Clair de lune for piano and string orchestra

Adam Wesołowski — Dances and songs of the archangels for string orchestra with the audience

Wojciech Kilar — Orava with a Christmas carol

Fryderyk Chopin and Polish Christmas carols — it's hard to find a more natural combination at Christmas time. During the Christmas Concert of the Silesian Chamber Orchestra, the music of the greatest Polish composer will become the starting point for a program combining classics, tradition and living together the festive atmosphere. In addition to Chopin's works, works by Karłowicz, Debussy, Wesołowski and Kilar will sound, creating an evening full of mood, emotion and musical brilliance.

The soloist of the evening will be Mateusz Krzyżowski — winner of the 1st prize of the Ignacy Jan Paderewski International Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz and 1st prize of the Warsaw Piano Grand Prix International Piano Competition. The artist is also a laureate of the 12th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz.

The programme will include works by Fryderyk Chopin in arrangements for piano and string orchestra. A special place will be occupied by Scherzo in B minor Op. 20 — one of the composer's most dramatic works, in the central part of which appears a quote from the Polish carol Lulajże Jezuniu. This poignant moment, contrasting with the stormy nature of the work, has been one of the most moving parts of Chopin's entire oeuvre for years. In addition to the scherzo, we will also hear the lyrical Nocturne in C minor, showing a more intimate face of the composer.

The first part of the concert will be completed with the elegant Waltz from the Serenade Op. 2 by Mieczysław Karłowicz and the famous Clair de lune by Claude Debussy — a musical image of moonlight, one of the most beautiful and recognizable works of the early 20th century. The whole thing will be joined by caroling interludes, reminiscent of the melodies that have accompanied Christmas gatherings for generations.

In the second part of the evening, Adam Wesołowski's Dances and Songs of the Archangels will be played — a composition written with the active participation of the audience in mind. The piece combines contemporary musical language with the accessibility of the message, creating a unique space for sharing music and experiencing the festive season.

The finale of the concert will bring one of Wojciech Kilar's most recognizable works — Orava. Inspired by the folklore of Podhale, the composition impresses with its exuberance, rhythmic energy and unique character. Preceded by a Christmas carol, it will become a spectacular culmination of the evening, which will combine reflection, tradition and the joy of a joint celebration.

CONCERT INFORMANT