Nikolai Dyadiura conducted the Symphonic Orchestra of the Ukrainian National Philharmonic in a concert featuring Polish sacral music
The Kiev Philharmonic event was part of "Gaude Mater", a series of 4 musical performances taking place in 4 European capitals. The choice of the four cities is inspired by the words of pope John Paul II, declared in 1991 during the "Days of Youth" event in Częstochowa:
After a long period, during which borders remained virtually closed, the Church is able to breathe freely, with both its lungs - in Eastern as well as Western Europe. It is necessary for the benefit of future generations, that Europe bases itself on those spiritual values that make up the core of its traditional culture
On the 20th anniversary of this event, "Gaude Mater" aims to present and promote the most valuable phenomena of Polish sacral music in the East and West of Christian Europe.
The programme of the Kiev concert was prepared with the Ukrainian Philharmonic Orchestra in mind. Selected pieces referred to the history of Poland: The concert commences with "Rok 1410" / "The Year 1410" written by Stanisław Moryto, an ouverture recalling the historic Mediaval battle of Grunwald. The evening closed with "Sinfonia Sacra" of Andrzej Panafiuk, with the Bogurodzica theme. It refers to the oldest piece of Polish music, the first records of which date back to the 15th century. With the participation of Polish vocalists, Katarzyna Suska-Zagórska (soprano) and Dariusz Siedlik (baritone), the evening - included in the official 2011/2012 programme of the National Philharmonic - turns into a Polish-Ukrainian event.
Date: 21st of October, 2011
Venue: Concert Hall of the Ukrainian National Philharmonic, Kiev
Organised by: Ukrainian National Philharmonic, Gaude Mater
Project cofinanced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland
Source: Adam Mickiewicz Institute