Ritual VI | Sacrum Profanum

At first, only a flute and a narrow light pole will appear in the dark. Then, over the unchanging sound of tanpura for 45 minutes, raga will develop. We will give the last Ritual to traditions that remain alive, because they can still change.

About the event

Two distinct practices meet here, which we are not trying to reduce to a common, universal spirituality. They are united by a focus on a single sound, the time it takes to develop it, and the work of artists who do not treat inherited instruments as museum exhibits.

Timothy Archambault will begin the premiere of KRKACCRETION in near-total darkness. The narrow light pole will only cover the flute it holds. First, the artist will shake in seven directions a necklace made of animal bones and teeth and deer skin, given to him by Ajawawesi, a member of the Algonquian elders. The gesture is intended to focus the listeners' attention before the actual composition begins.

Archambault will play acoustically on a traditional Algonquian flute — pibigwane, made of cedar or alder. For the Algonquins, this instrument is the creator of the wind or its essence. It served, among other things, to imitate the sounds of nature, solitary contemplation and the transmission of signals. In KRKACCRETION, the quiet beginning will gradually give way to more extended flute techniques, which will create an increasingly dense structure.

Archambault's practice gains additional resonance in this space. On the album Chìsake, the artist turned to the songs of the shaking tent rite, and the form of Si On and Jakub Ziółkowski's installation evokes the broader idea of a ritual tent. A visual echo is created between them, not a reconstruction of a specific tradition.

Madhuvanti Pal dates back to the tradition of dhrupad — one of the oldest living forms of North Indian classical music. He plays the rudra vina, a long citron with two resonators made of gourds. Although ancient sculptures and miniatures depict women playing this instrument, in later practice it was inaccessible to them for a long time. Pal's album The Holy Mother Plays the Rudra Veen became the first full-length record recorded by a woman playing rudra vino. The artist not only performs music, but also builds and modifies her own instruments. In Krakow, Pal will perform a selected raga with the accompaniment of female tanpura. Its continuous sound will set a fixed reference point around which successive heights, ornaments and tensions will develop for 45 minutes.

For Archambault, music will be created by layering, for Pal - by patiently revealing the possibilities contained in the council. Both methods require time, silence and concentration, but lead to two different worlds.

More information and details about the concert can be found on the Sacrum Profanum Festival 2026 website.

English version: To read the descriptions and find out more in English, please visit the Sacrum Profanum website

Concert Band Ritual

Ritual is the main band of concerts of this year's edition. Every day we bring together artists presenting their own version of the Ritual. They will reach into forgotten cultures and fading traditions, create fantastic ethnographies and contemporary forms that can put audiences in a trance. We will hear music from different parts of the world — from reconstructions of Wielkopolska folk, through Algonkin songs and Indian ragas, to a Japanese performance and a contemporary instrument derived from the ancient Greek aulos.

The ritual begins with crossing the threshold. Enter Si On and Jakub Ziółkowski's installation — a world of painted fabrics and humanoid figures, reminiscent of a ritual tent. It is a space dedicated to the hallowed time of the festival. It is also a sphere untangled between art and rite, in which the audience will sit around the central stage. Each day, two performances will be combined by the musical-ritual intervention of Ziółkowski, who will act as master of ceremonies for the duration of the concerts. Artists and music will change, but all parts of the Ritual will maintain the same uninterrupted course.

Artists

Timothy Archambault Metis-Kichesipirini — KRKACCRETION (2026) 30' (world premiere)

Timothy Archambault Metis-Kichesipirini — pibigwan (traditional Algonquian flute)

Madhuvanti Pal — Raag 45'

Madhuvanti Pal — rudra vina (Indian classical stringed instrument)

Richard Frost — female tambourine

https://ideologicorgan.bandcamp.com/album/ch-sake

https://sublime-frequencies.bandcamp.com/album/madhuvanti-pal-the-holy-mother-plays-the-rudra-veena

Organized by: KBF

The concert is co-organised by Cricoteka.

Accessibility

The event will last approximately 75 minutes. Timothy Archambault's performance will last about 30 minutes and will be completely acoustic. It will take place in almost total darkness; only a flute illuminated by a very narrow column of light will remain visible. The beginning will be quiet, intimate and meditative. We ask the audience to remain silent.

Madhuvanti Pal's performance will last about 45 minutes. The artist will play Rudra Vini.

The audience will sit around the central stage on carpet, cushions and poufs. Several chairs will also be available for people who cannot use the floor or low seats.

You can leave the hall during the event, but there will be no re-entry.

The nearest public transport stops are: Korona (tram and bus) and Plac Bohateros Getta (tram). Cricoteka does not have a car park for guests. Two parking spaces for people with disabilities are located on Nadwiślańska Street, near the entrance from the side of the Bernatka footbridge, but a high curb may be a difficulty when getting off. Upon prior notification of such a need, we can allocate a temporary parking space in the square.

The most convenient entrance to the building is through Cricoteki Square. After passing through the glass door, head to the elevator or staircase. The ticket office is located at level -1. Go to it if you do not have a ticket to the event or need additional information/assistance.

If you need more information or would like assistance, PJM translation, audio description, or have any other needs that we should know about so that you can feel comfortable, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator:

Anna Rejowska (e-mail: rejowska@cricoteka.pl, tel.: 505 319 882)

There is also the possibility of making an appointment.

For more information on accessibility, visit https://cricoteka.pl/pl/dostepnosc/