Artists from the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic have won the 5th edition of the Eagles International Music Competition in the Premiere category for their performance of Paweł Łukaszewski’s opera Joash, King of Judah. This is the first Polish opera based on a libretto by Pietro Metastasio.

We would like to thank the Music Eagles Jury for this wonderful distinction. The ceremonial gala, during which the jury’s verdict in each category will be announced and the Music Eagles statuettes and diplomas will be awarded, will take place on September 20 in the concert hall of the Łódź Philharmonic.

The world premiere of the opera Joash, King of Judah in a concert version took place on August 18, 2024, on the Main Stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic, during the 2nd edition of the International Metastasio bez granic Festival. The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, along with soloists (Anna Wolfinger, Paulina Boreczko-Bura, Joanna Motulewicz, Paweł Cichoński, Tomasz Rak, Krzysztof Szyfman), were led by the distinguished Italian conductor Massimo Mazzeo; the choir was prepared by Professor Violetta Bielecka. The opera is an absolutely unique event, the result of the work of outstanding artists, including composer Paweł Łukaszewski, who created an innovative, emotional adaptation of the biblical story and was the first contemporary composer to use Pietro Metastasio’s librettos.

The concert premiere of the work was recorded and released as a double album by DUX Recording Producers. The publication is available for purchase in the OiFP online store and at the OiFP ticket office on Odeska Street.

The full list of winners of the 5th International Musical Eagles Competition is available on the competition’s Facebook page.