The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic begins the new artistic season with a rich repertoire, including the first premiere of the season – Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant, directed by Maria Sartova. The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic also plans to host the first MET broadcast of the season, The Evening of the Masters concert, educational workshops, and Roman Maciejewski’s monumental Requiem.

The highlight of October will be the premiere of Gioachino Rossini’s opera Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant. This story, full of humor, charm, and musical fireworks, is inspired by Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, devoid of magical props and a slipper. Director Maria Sartova sets the action in the post-war 1950s, creating a contrast between the gray everyday life and Angelina’s colorful dream world: This is not a story about weakness and injustice, but about the strength and wisdom of a girl who can change reality with her kindness – emphasizes M. Sartova. The main roles will be played by Zuzanna Nalewajek and Aleksandra Opała (Cinderella), along with Łukasz Baltazar Kózka and Sebastian Mach (The Prince). The premiere will take place on the Main Stage of the OiFP on Odeska Street on October 17th. Cinderella will run until mid-December, with 10 performances planned. More information about the production can be found in the material from the premiere partner, Orfeo: https://orfeo.com.pl/rozmowa-z-maria-sartova/ – Tomasz Pasternak spoke with Maria Sartova.

The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic will once again participate in the nationwide Seniors’ Weekend with Culture campaign. On October 4th, the Chamber Stage will host Triumph of Love – a musical encounter with the most beautiful pieces about feelings, memories, and longings performed by Karina Komendera, Monika Ziółkowska, and Maciej Nerkowski. Beginning at 11:00 AM.

On the same day, October 4th, a curatorial tour of the Podlasie Dimension of Art II exhibition will also take place. The tour will be preceded by a lecture by Dr. Joanna Tomalska-Więcek entitled “Art in Podlasie. History and the Present.” Invitations to the curatorial tour will be available at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic box office from October 2nd during box office hours. Seating is limited.

This month’s repertoire also includes the first broadcast of the season from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. On October 18th at 7:00 PM, audiences will experience one of the most captivating operatic works, The Sleepwalker by Vincenzo Bellini. Joining soprano Nadine Sierra as the titular heroine, Amina, will be tenor Xabier Anduaga as Amina’s fiancé, Elvino; soprano Sydney Mancasola as her rival, Lisa; and bass Alexander Vinogradov as Count Rodolfo. Riccardo Frizza will conduct the performance. The broadcast will be on the Chamber Stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic.

The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic also caters to its younger audience. New to the October repertoire is Opera Story – Discover the Secrets of Opera! – an educational workshop as part of the Young Melomaniac Stage series, conducted through interactive storytelling with theatrical elements. This is a unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at the Opera, see the stage, dressing rooms, and technical facilities, and learn the secrets of acoustics and performance creation. The events on October 20 and 27 will open the world of opera to children and school-aged youth in an accessible and engaging way.

The Opera invites fans of great symphony music to The Evening of Masters concert scheduled for October 24. We will hear Richard Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser, Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor – one of the most important works of the 20th-century repertoire – and Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 in C minor, “Tragic”. The OiFP Orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Ruben Silva, and the evening’s soloist will be the distinguished cellist Marcin Zdunik. The concert will begin on the Main Stage on Odeska Street at 7:00 PM.

October will conclude with a special event – a performance of Requiem. Roman Maciejewski’s Missa pro defunctis. The composer wrote it over nearly fifteen years – This work is monumental not only artistically but also physically (the manuscript weighed 25 kg!), yet it surprises with its simplicity, melodicism, prayerful concentration, and outstanding—often polyphonic—choral part. Its power lies between the powerful Dies Irae and the vocal parts, which are akin to film music – emphasizes conductor Adam Banaszak. – A performance of the Requiem is always a unique event—it requires a huge cast and effort, which is why it rarely appears on stage. However, performed live, it becomes a profound experience and a musical mystery that opens up a space for reflection and brings hope – he adds. The concert will take place on October 31st at 7:00 PM on the Main Stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic. Nearly 150 artists will participate in the event: the Orchestra and Choir of the OiFP and distinguished soloists (Wioletta Chodowicz, Joanna Motulewicz, Andrzej Lampert, and Artur Janda) under the baton of Adam Banaszak.

We invite you!