With its stunning natural surroundings and the magnificent hall of the Palace on the Isle, Warsaw’s Royal Łazienki will once again come alive with the music of Chopin and other great composers. The Ludwig van Beethoven Association, which in April organized a concert at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s passing, is now hosting for the seventh time the Festival of Romantic Compositions “Józef Elsner and His Successors” at the Royal Łazienki.

This promises a spiritual feast for music lovers, not just from Warsaw. This year’s festival, under the theme “Chopin Salon”, runs from August 29 to September 3, with seven concerts scheduled. According to the organizers, the performances will reflect the pure musical fascinations of Chopin—his love for operatic bel canto, his art of improvisation, his engagement with song—all foundational elements of his distinctive style, while highlighting the interplay between Chopin and his contemporaries.

A Musical World of Chopin’s Era

Both the artists and the festival program—which has firmly established itself on Poland’s musical map—promise extraordinary artistic experiences. “Chopin Salon” will transport audiences to the musical world of Chopin’s era, filled with salon sounds, virtuosic improvisations, and romantic emotion.

The lineup includes works by Chopin and his mentors, songs by Polish composers, operatic transcriptions, and piano pieces performed by distinguished Polish and international artists.

A Rich Festival Program

The festival opens with a recital by pianist Krzysztof Książek on a historic piano, presenting transcriptions of Chopin’s favorite operas by Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini.

On August 30, two Polish candidates for the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition—Jan Widlarz (5:00 p.m.) and Jehuda Prokopowicz (7:30 p.m.)—will give recitals.

On August 31, the recital “Pianohooligan: 24 Preludes & Improvisations” will offer a contemporary take on the improvisatory art so central to Chopin’s style.

Soprano Ewa Leszczyńska will perform a vocal recital highlighting the lesser-known yet valuable song repertoire of Polish composers from the classical and romantic periods.

A special event on September 2 will feature French pianist Arthur Hinnewinkel, the 2025 laureate of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.

The festival will conclude with a recital by Tymoteusz Bies, revisiting works by R. Schumann, S. Thalberg, and F. Kalkbrenner—precursors to the genres Chopin explored or that directly influenced his compositions.

Full program details are available at www.beethoven.org.pl.

Educational Mission

Founded in Kraków by Elżbieta Penderecka, the Ludwig van Beethoven Association has, for nearly 30 years, organized world-renowned Easter Festivals and, for seven years, the Festival of Romantic Compositions “Józef Elsner and His Successors”. The Association’s director, Andrzej Giza, emphasizes its role in promoting classical music among Polish audiences.

Penderecka’s vision for the festivals also includes supporting young Polish artists and showcasing Polish musicians and culture worldwide. On April 1, the Association held a magnificent concert in Rome to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s passing, with Polish performers admired by the residents of the Eternal City, including prominent figures.

Family News Service

Photos from the previous edition of the festival, 2024 (credit: Bruno Fidrych)