A special concert on December 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Silesian Philharmonic will commemorate one of the most dramatic events in contemporary Polish history—the pacification of the "Wujek" coal mine in 1981. The event will pay tribute to the victims of those tragic days who fought for freedom and serve as a symbolic reminder of the martial law period. The Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Marcin Nałęcz-Niesiołowski, will perform the world premiere of the winning piece from the "II Symphony of Remembrance" Composition Competition.
This concert, held on the 43rd anniversary of the pacification of the "Wujek" mine, will also offer a moment of reflection on the significance of freedom and solidarity in the most difficult moments of history. The concert will begin with the Suite in G major by Ignacy Jan Paderewski—an outstanding pianist and composer, as well as a statesman who supported Poland’s efforts to regain independence through both his music and political activities. The program will also feature music by Wojciech Kilar, including compositions from the films Ziemia obiecana, Trędowata, and Sól Ziemi, which remind us of the difficult fate of Silesia and Poland in the 20th century.
Symfonia industrialna (Industrial Symphony) by Adam Wesołowski pays homage to the industrial heritage of Silesia. Its sounds, inspired by heavy industry, will be enhanced by archival video materials depicting the history of one of the largest and oldest Polish steelworks.
The concert will conclude with the world premiere of 9-23 by Mikołaj Jarczyński—the winning composition of the "II Symphony of Remembrance" Competition, dedicated to the heroes of the pacification of the "Wujek" mine.
On the same day, the Silesian Philharmonic will also host an exhibition prepared by the Silesian Centre of Freedom and Solidarity, which will present the pacification of the "Wujek" mine through art and poetry.
The concert is co-financed as part of the National Reconstruction Plan – the Program for Supporting the Activities of Cultural Sector Entities and Creative Industries to Stimulate Their Development.
Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC
