5th Elbląg Music Masterclass: Beyond masterclasses—public concerts included

For the 5th time, Elbląg will host the Elbląg Music Masterclass on July 3-12, 2026. This largest music workshop in northern Poland is organized by the Elbląg Chamber Orchestra alongside Michał Missan, the Mayor of Elbląg. For years, this exceptional event has been attracting young instrumentalists and conductors to the city, allowing them to master their skills under the guidance of outstanding professors and perform alongside them on the same stage. One of the key elements of the Elbląg Music Masterclass program is showcasing the works of Polish composers—ranging from timeless classics to contemporary authors.

This edition will bring together in Elbląg a group of distinguished professors and acclaimed artists of the Polish music scene. The violin class will be led by Jakub Jakowicz and Jarosław Nadrzycki, Katarzyna Budnik will work with the violists, and Magdalena Bojanowicz will share her experience on cello playing. Participants who play double bass will improve their skills under the guidance of Marek Romanowski, while Anna Duczmal-Mróz will lead the conducting workshops, and the Atom String Quartet will conduct the chamber music masterclasses.

The Young Virtuoso Competition remains an integral part of the event, offering young musicians the chance to perform with a professional orchestra. From its very first edition, the event—organized by the Elbląg Chamber Orchestra—has focused on promoting native repertoire and creating opportunities for young artists to perform it.

The Elbląg Music Masterclass is also a true celebration of music for the residents of Elbląg, the region, and visiting tourists. Over ten days in July, Elbląg will come alive with top-tier concerts, recitals, and meet-and-greets with musicians. The organizers invite all culture lovers to attend the events open to the public.

An important part of the program will be the participants' recitals, during which young artists will showcase the results of their work at the Old Town City Hall at 5.00 pm from July 6 to 9. This is a unique opportunity to hear talented musicians from Poland and abroad, many of whom are on the verge of international careers. The repertoire will include works by outstanding Polish composers, such as Henryk Wieniawski, Karol Szymanowski, Mieczysław Karłowicz, and Krzysztof Penderecki. The young instrumentalists will perform pieces including the Polonaise Brillante in D major, Violin Concerto No. 2, Caprice "La Vélocité", Dance from the ballet Harnasie, Caprice Op. 18 No. 2, Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 2, and Divertimento. Admission is free.

Music lovers can also look forward to three exceptional festival concerts. The promotion of contemporary Polish music will be highlighted by the opening concert on July 3, performed by the Atom String Quartet and the Elbląg Chamber Orchestra at the Art Center Gallery EL. The program will feature original compositions by the ensemble's members: Krzysztof Lenczowski (Song For Mario, Waves, Supernova), Mateusz Smoczyński (Cosmos), Michał Zaborski (Melody of the Prairie, Souvenir de Wilno), and Dawid Lubowicz (Toccata, Ballad on the Death of Janosik, Too Early). The Masterclass professors will also have their concert on July 10 at the Old Town City Hall. To culminate the entire festival, the competition winners will perform alongside the Elbląg Chamber Orchestra on July 12 at the Old Town City Hall.

Such a thoughtfully structured program ensures that the Elbląg Music Masterclass is not only a place for young musicians to perfect their craft, but also a platform for popularizing Polish music—from acclaimed masterpieces of the classical repertoire to the works of contemporary composers and performers who actively shape today's musical landscape.

Ticketing Information:

• Opening Concert: Free admission with passes, which can be picked up at the EOK Box Office.
• Professors' Concert & Finale: 30 PLN per ticket, available at the EOK Box Office and online.

Sponsors: the Municipality of Elbląg, Elbląg Municipal Economy Enterprise Ltd., Elbląg Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise Ltd., Braniewo-Pasłęk Cooperative Bank based in Pasłęk, Opegiek Printing House Ltd., Schmid Polska Ltd., BBS Polska Ltd.

Honorary Patronage: Marcin Kuchciński – Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, Maciej Romanowski – Staroste of Elbląg, Maciej Bukowski – Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Elbląg.

Partners: Museum of History and Archaeology in Elbląg, Szalona Gęś – Cocktail & Restaurant, Kawiarnia za Rogiem, Art Center Gallery EL, State Complex of Music Schools in Elbląg, Mjazzga Music Club, "U Wołka" Pastry Shop, Zmysły Restaurant, Hotel Młyn in Elbląg Ltd., Lodziarnia Pistacjowa, Amore Mio Ristorante Italiano in Elbląg, Cosinus Elbląg – Post-Secondary Schools and High Schools for Adults, La Botte, Miś Glass Workshop & Art-Miś Gallery, Octim Vinegar and Mustard Factory Ltd.

Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC.

Official website: https://www.elblagmasterclass.pl/