“Miserere mei, Deus” – Good Friday Music Performed by Camerata Silesia

This year, the 15th concert in the series "Miserere mei, Deus – Music for Good Friday," performed by the Katowice City Singers’ Ensemble "Camerata Silesia," will take place at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Katowice on April 3, 2026, at 11:00 PM. Admission is free.

The tradition of Tenebrae (Shadows)—nighttime or early morning services held on Good Friday—dates back to the Middle Ages. Historically celebrated in darkness, these services symbolize the death of Christ and the period of mourning. In the unique atmosphere of nocturnal silence, music resonates with even greater power. A key tradition associated with Tenebrae is the symbolic lighting of 15 candles. During the rite, the candles are gradually extinguished—one after each psalm—until only the highest candle remains lit, symbolizing Christ.

The intimate concert "Miserere mei, Deus – Music for Good Friday" draws directly from this tradition, hence the late starting time of 11:00 PM.

As in previous years, Camerata Silesia, conducted by Anna Szostak, will perform Gregorio Allegri's famous Miserere, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Adoramus te Christe, and Henry Purcell’s Miserere. The program also features works specially selected for this edition, including pieces by contemporary Polish composers: Maciej Afanasjew’s Krzyżu Święty (O Holy Cross) and Sabina Meck’s W krzyżu cierpienie (In the Cross is Suffering).

The concert is part of a Passion Festival organized by the Katowice City Singers’ Ensemble "Camerata Silesia" and the Parish of St. Peter and Paul in Katowice.

Media Patronage: The Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC.

Additional Information: https://camerata.silesia.pl/pl/