Kilar's Birthday in Katowice

On July 11 and 18, 2026, the city of Katowice will be filled with an energy that proves great art is a source of uncompromising freedom and joy. The Krystyna Bochenek "Katowice City of Gardens" Institution of Culture invites the audience to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the birth of the prominent composer Wojciech Kilar. Admission to the open-air symphonic concert and the dance event is free.

The celebration will kick off with the "Roztańczony Wyspiański" (Dancing Wyspiański) dance event, featuring the film music of Wojciech Kilar. On July 11 at 8.00 pm, the square in front of the Silesian Theatre will be filled with dance figures, unexpected twists, and a touch of stage bravura – just like a movie story where one spectacular spin can redirect the whole course of action.

Katowice's market square will transform into a vibrant, multi-generational, open-air dance floor. Iconic film themes in surprising, dance-inducing arrangements will be performed live by the energetic Gorko Dixi Band, while a DJ set will add to the unique atmosphere of the summer evening. Please note: In case of bad weather, the dance event will be postponed to July 18 at 8.00 pm.

Film sounds will return to the green surroundings of Kościuszko Park, located right next to the composer’s home in Brynów. Under the baton of the outstanding Australian conductor Daniel Smith, on July 18 at 6.00 pm, the Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will perform famous musical themes that have shaped the history of cinema. Please note: In case of bad weather, the concert will be held at the hall of the "Katowice Miasto Ogrodów" institution (Katowice, 2 Sejmu Śląskiego sq) and will start at 6.30 pm.

The dark and mesmerizing finale of "Kilar's Birthday" will take place on July 18 at 10.00 pm within the walls of the Rialto Kinoteatr. The audience will watch Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar-winning masterpiece Dracula, for which Wojciech Kilar created one of his most recognizable, fierce compositions—a score that opened the doors to Hollywood for him. The screening will be preceded by a unique live performance by soprano Elżbieta Grodzka-Łopuszyńska and pianist Dagmara Niedziela.

Tickets are available at the cinema box office and online at bilety24.pl.

Co-organizers: Silesia Film, the Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Silesian Philharmonic, and the Stanisław Wyspiański Silesian Theatre.

The Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC has taken the media patronage over the event.

Detailed information: https://miasto-ogrodow.eu/news/view/id/1793