National Philharmonic

The National Philharmonic Choir in Warsaw, founded in 1953, has a rich history under the direction of prominent conductors, including Zbigniew Soja and Henryk Wojnarowski. It is currently led by Bartosz Michałowski. The ensemble has performed in numerous countries across Europe and in Israel, and its repertoire includes over 400 oratorio and a cappella works, with a special emphasis on Polish music, particularly that of Krzysztof Penderecki. The choir has received numerous awards, including the Fryderyk and Grammy Awards. The National Philharmonic, housed in a building designed by Karol Kozłowski, inaugurated its activities on November 5, 1901, with the participation of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The building, featuring eclectic decor, was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1955 in the style of socialist realism. The Philharmonic hosts numerous music festivals, including the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Among the distinguished artists who have performed here are renowned soloists and orchestras from around the world, such as the Berliner Philharmoniker and the New York Philharmonic. In 2001, new organs built by Karl Schuke were installed, enriching the acoustics of the concert hall, which can accommodate approximately 1,072 audience members. The National Philharmonic is a key cultural institution and an important center of musical life in Poland and Europe.