“Music in Old Krakow” is one of the oldest Polish festivals. This year marks its 40th anniversary. Krakow’s cultural traditions create an aura particularly conducive to music. Outstanding European composers such as H. Finck, L. Marenzio, and D. Cato have worked here; G. Palestrina, G. Ph. Telemann, and J. S. Bach have dedicated their works to Polish kings; and Liszt, Brahms, Paderewski, and Rubinstein have given concerts.
The “Music in Old Krakow” festival draws on these great chapters in Krakow’s cultural history. Festival guests have included artists of such stature as Henryk Szeryng, Ida Haendel, Jordi Savall, Shlomo Mintz, Krystian Zimerman, Krzysztof Penderecki, Emma Kirkby, Grigory Sokolov, Rafael Puyana, Igor Kipnis, and ensembles such as the Philharmonia Quartett, Melos Quartett, Academy of Ancient Music, Canadian Brass, Israel Chamber Orchestra, National Philharmonic, The Hilliard Ensemble, Chanticleer, and many others. Alongside renowned artists, the festival also welcomes talented young musicians at the beginning of their careers. The “Music in Old Krakow” festival program encompasses music from the earliest to contemporary periods. Concerts are held in various historic settings throughout Krakow’s Old Town.