Discover the Beauty of Polish Classical Music

From Baroque Masterpieces to Modern Polish Music

Lunchtime Concert by the Chamber Orchestra of the University of the Commission of National Education in Kraków

Friday, 21 August 2026

3:00 pm
Chapel, Jesus College, University of Oxford, Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DW

Free admission (booking required)

Advance booking is strongly recommended as seating is limited.

And…

Evening Concert by the Chamber Orchestra of the University of the Commission of National Education in Kraków

Friday, 21 August 2026
6:00 pm
St Michael at the North Gate Church, Oxford

Free admission (booking required)

Advance booking is strongly recommended as seating is limited.

About the Event

Making its Oxford debut, the orchestra will perform an inspiring programme spanning more than two centuries of European music—from the elegance of Rameau and Vivaldi, through the lyrical beauty of Mieczysław Karłowicz, to the expressive songs of Tadeusz Baird, inspired by the poetry of William Shakespeare, before concluding with the exhilarating Orawa by internationally acclaimed Polish composer Wojciech Kilar.

The programme also celebrates Feliks Janiewicz (1762–1848), the Polish-born violin virtuoso, composer and educator whose remarkable career flourished in Britain and whose contribution to British musical life continues to be recognised today.

This unique concert offers audiences a rare opportunity to discover some of Poland’s greatest composers alongside well-loved European masterpieces.

Programme

Jean-Philippe Rameau
Les Indes galantes

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for Two Violins in A minor

Feliks Janiewicz
Violin Concerto No. 5 in E minor

Mieczysław Karłowicz
Five Songs

• Na spokojnym, ciemnym morzu
• Rdzawe liście
• Skąd pierwsze gwiazdy
• Pamiętam ciche, jasne, złote dnie
• Z nową wiosną

Tadeusz Baird

Four Love Songs to Texts by William Shakespeare

Wojciech Kilar

Orawa

Arrangements by I. Boczek and Dr Małgorzata Tęczyńska-Kęska.

Performers

Chamber Orchestra of the University of the Commission of National Education in Kraków

Conductor

Dr Małgorzata Tęczyńska-Kęska

Soloists

• Agnieszka Kucała – Violin

• Anna Prucnal – Violin

• Iga Nęcka – Soprano

About the Orchestra

• Paweł Żurawski – Tenor

Founded in 2005, the Chamber Orchestra of the University of the Commission of National Education in Kraków has established itself as one of Poland’s most active and internationally recognised university ensembles.

The orchestra brings together outstanding young musicians from Kraków and performs a wide-ranging repertoire including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, contemporary, film and popular music.

Each year the orchestra presents around 13 artistic projects, including international tours, educational initiatives and collaborative performances.

The ensemble has performed throughout France, Spain, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, promoting Polish music and culture to international audiences.

Its recordings include:

• Bach – Marcello – Telemann – Vivaldi

• Dancing Ends

• Reminiscencje

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Concert

✔ Oxford debut of one of Poland’s leading university orchestras

✔ Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Feliks Janiewicz

✔ Discover some of Poland’s finest composers

✔ A unique programme featuring music inspired by William Shakespeare

✔ Experience an unforgettable evening of live classical music in the heart of Oxford