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Prusz Gdański | "The Three Marys" – Gothic sculptures hold the floor

Trzy MarieThe Three Marys oratorio will be premiere by Les Femmes ensemble on 13 September 2020 at 7.00 p.m. in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Pruszcz Gdański. We will have the opportunity to watch and listen to the work of Anna Rocławska-Musiałczyk under the direction of Piotr Jamioł both live and in broadcast. At a time when the gothic cathedrals are burning, three Marys – the heroines of the medieval mystery play – descend from the altar and speak up.

The Three Marys oratorio tells the story of the title women: Mary – Mother of God, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas, accompanying Jesus in his passion and resurrection. The sculptures and painted figures of the Holy Women "come to life" and "descend from the altar" in Crucifixion – a late medieval Antwerp polyptych currently located in the National Museum in Warsaw. Sophisticated costumes designed by Małgorzata Sosińska-Wasik are almost exact copies of the sculptures' robes, while Cyprian Wieczorkowski's set design refers to gothic stained glass windows.

Anna Rocławska-Musiałczyk uses texts from the Old and New Testaments, old church songs and contemporary religious poetry – their common denominator is the Marian theme, focusing on the history of the three Marys. The new sound shape of songs and the sum of all the elements of the work ultimately transform the performance into a mystery play. The oratorio beautifully and harmoniously combines tradition with modernity: “The Three Marys presents an innovative approach, both in terms of form, performance and selection of texts. It is difficult to find a piece that would address this subject musically in a similar way", explains the composer. The work for three voices and chamber ensemble has a thoroughly universal message. The women from the altar are crying out for hope and joy of life. The Three Marys is a mystery play about the aesthetics of beauty and universal values.

Live broadcast will be available on Les Femmes Opera You Tube Channel.

Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC.

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