To celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872), organist, conductor and composer considered in Poland as the father of Polish opera, we pay tribute to him by inviting you to discover the 1848 version of the opera Halka, in its Vilnius version of 1848, during a concert performed by Capella Cracoviensis, soloists, choir and orchestra on historical instruments conducted by Jan Tomasz Adamus.

“Halka” is a major work in the Polish opera repertoire. Composed by Moniuszko on a booklet written by Włodzimierz Wolski, a young Warsaw poet with progressive social opinions, was first presented in Vilnius in 1848 in two acts, and then revised more extensively in 1858 in Warsaw in four acts. A success that has never been denied since then!

“Halka”, 1848 is presented in Brussels by the Polish Institute in collaboration with the Midis-Minimes festival (info) as an exceptional event for the closing of this typical Brussels summer festival.

The concert is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland from the Fund for the Promotion of Culture. In honour of Moniuszko 200, every month a new Moniuszko poster is revealed. Project organized by the Opera Gallery in the Teatr Wielki – National Opera. Find more information about this project here

About Capella Cracoviensis
Capella Cracoviensis was established in 1970 on the initiative of Jerzy Katlewicz, Director of Krakow Philharmonic at that time, who appointed Stanisław Gałoński to create an ensemble specialising in period music performance. Over the years, Capella Cracoviensis became an independent entity performing various repertoire ranging from Medieval music to world premieres of contemporary pieces. Since November 2008, Jan Tomasz Adamus has been CC’s General and Artistic Director.

Performers for “Halka” 1848
Halka | Natalia Rubis | soprano
Janusz | Sebastian Szumski | baritone
Zofia | Michalina Bienkiewicz | soprano
Jontek | Przemyslaw Borys | tenor
Marszalek | Marek Opaska | bass
Czesnik | Przemyslaw Balka | bass

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
>>> Where: Conservatoire Royal, Rue de la Régence 30A, Brussels – map
>>> When: August 31, 2019 – 20:00
>>> Booking on festival Midis-Minimes website

Poster (June): Pola Dwurnik
Poster (July): Monika Drożyńska
Poster (August): Bogusław Lustyk