17th Leo Festival

The 17th Leo Festival, organized by the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, will be held between May 28 and 31, 2026 in Wrocław, both at the National Forum of Music and in various artistic salons across the city. 

"Where words leave off, music begins" (Heinrich Heine). The quote from this Romantic poet perfectly captures the essence of music. At the same time, it poses a challenge: while we can tell stories without music, or with its help, is it possible to tell stories solely through music – without the use of words?

Great composers have attempted this for centuries, and the European musical language has developed so that today we not only understand it but are fascinated by its universality and sincerity. That’s why this year I invite you to a Leo Festival filled with narrative music, where your imagination will need no words. I have also prepared a concert dedicated to younger listeners, during which music will blend with words in Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, with one of Poland’s most distinguished actors, Zbigniew Zamachowski, narrating the tale. There will also be stories about the most expensive and magnificent string instruments, including criminal themes, no less! In keeping with the festival’s tradition and mission, there will also be a concert featuring students and graduates of music academies. 

It will be colourful, diverse, and a little different than usual, so join us and you will surely find something of interest to you.

Christian Danowicz, Artistic Director, Leo Festival

The Witold Lutosławski National Forum of Music, together with the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, also invites students and graduates of music academies in Poland to participate in the rehearsals and the festival concert titled "Intergenerational Story." Applications must be submitted between April 1-22. A mandatory part of the application is a link to a video recording of the candidate performing a selected piece—this material will serve as the basis for the organizers' evaluation.

The POLMIC Polish Music Information Centre is the media patron of the 2025/2026 NFM concert season.

More information: https://www.nfm.wroclaw.pl/festiwale/leo-festiwal