Aveline Kirana
The National Forum of Music (NFM) has unveiled its ambitious 2026-27 season, presenting a meticulously curated program that shines a spotlight exclusively on the rich and diverse world of classical vocal music. This extensive offering promises a journey through centuries of vocal repertoire, from the profound depths of early baroque to contemporary premieres, featuring an impressive roster of international and Polish artists, renowned ensembles, and significant choral works. The season, spanning from August 2026 to June 2027, underscores the NFM’s commitment to showcasing the expressive power and artistic breadth of the human voice in its myriad forms.
A Season of Vocal Grandeur Begins with Bach and Baroque Gems
The 2026-27 season will commence with a series of performances that immediately establish the high caliber of the programming. On August 30, 2026, the Krzyżowa-Music festival will host acclaimed tenor Mark Padmore, who will lend his interpretive mastery to Johann Sebastian Bach’s deeply moving aria, "Ich habe genug." This early offering sets a tone of profound musical exploration that will permeate the season.
The following week marks a significant event with a concert performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’s grand opera "Samson et Dalila" on September 3, 2026. Under the baton of Thomas Guggeis, the production will feature a stellar cast, with Brian Jagde and Anita Rachvelishvili in the titular roles of Samson and Dalila, respectively. They will be supported by a formidable ensemble of vocalists including Kostas Smoriginas, Peter Kellner, Marek Belko, and Dawid Dubec. The performance will be further elevated by the combined forces of the NFM Choir, the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir, and the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, promising a spectacular sonic experience. The scale of this production highlights the NFM’s capacity to stage major operatic works in concert format, bringing operatic drama to a wider audience.
September continues to be a month of significant vocal highlights. On September 4, Angelica Antonini, accompanied by Il Giardino Armonico, will delve into the expressive world of early baroque music, showcasing the intricate beauty and vocal ornamentation characteristic of the period. The following day, September 5, 2026, the prestigious Gabrieli Consort and Players, under the direction of Paul McCreesh, will present "A Venetian Coronation, 1595." This program is set to recreate the opulent vocal and instrumental soundscape of a significant historical event, offering a vivid sonic tapestry of Renaissance Venice. Also on September 5th, Noumen 5 will present newly commissioned works for the Polish Radio Centenary, part of the "10/100" project, demonstrating the NFM’s dedication to fostering contemporary vocal composition.
The educational and interpretive aspects of vocal music will be explored on September 6, 2026, when participants of the 50th Oratorio and Cantata Music Interpretation Course, a collaborative initiative between the National Forum of Music and the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, present works by Louis-Nicolas Clérambault. Led by harpsichordist Marta Niedźwiecka, this event underscores the NFM’s role in nurturing vocal talent and preserving the traditions of oratorio and cantata performance. Later that day, baritone Andrzej Filończyk, joined by pianist Sasha Yankevych, will offer a recital featuring compositions by Polish masters Moniuszko and Szymanowski, celebrating the rich heritage of Polish vocal art.
The month concludes with a focus on medieval and Renaissance vocal music. On September 7, 2026, Ars Cantus will perform a concert dedicated to the motets and ballads of Guillaume de Machaut, offering a rare opportunity to experience the polyphonic textures and poetic narratives of 14th-century music. On September 9, Ottavio Dantone will conduct a concert version of Henry Purcell’s masterpiece, "Dido and Aeneas." The stellar cast includes Arianna Vendittelli as Dido, Charlotte Bowden as Belinda, and Mauro Borgioni as Aeneas, alongside a distinguished ensemble of singers. The performance will be enhanced by the Capella Cracoviensis Choir and Accademia Bizantina, promising an authentic and emotionally resonant rendition of this Baroque operatic gem.
Expanding Horizons: Contemporary Voices and Chamber Music
As the season progresses into the autumn, the NFM continues to broaden its vocal offerings, encompassing both contemporary explorations and established masterpieces. On September 10, 2026, soprano Johanna Zimmer and mezzo-soprano Christina Daletska, together with the Ensemble Musikfabrik, will present works by Żaneta Rydzewska and Georges Aperghis, as well as the premiere of a new piece by Anna Korsun. Conducted by Emilio Pomarico, this concert highlights the NFM’s commitment to contemporary music and its engagement with leading avant-garde vocal composers.
The power and versatility of choirs will be on full display throughout the season. On September 11, 2026, the NFM Choir, NFM Girls’ Choir, and NFM Boys’ Choir will perform "Waves at Play," conducted by Jerzy Maksymiuk with the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic. This program suggests a diverse collection of choral works, possibly exploring themes of nature or childhood. The following day, September 12, the intimate setting of Les 4 Sens will present a concert titled "To Be Sung on the Water," likely featuring a program that evokes watery imagery through vocal performance. Also on September 12, the NFM Boys’ Choir, under the direction of Andrzej Kosendiak and accompanied by the Wrocław Baroque Ensemble, will present a program of J.S. Bach’s sacred vocal works, demonstrating the exceptional talent of young choristers.
September concludes with a focus on Baroque masters. On September 13, BREZZA will perform Handel’s works in a program titled "Fragments of the Soul," exploring the emotional depth and melodic brilliance of the composer.
Autumnal Offerings: Cantatas, Oratorios, and Festive Sounds
October begins with a return to Bach and Telemann on October 1, 2026, as the Wrocław Baroque Ensemble, led by Andrzej Kosendiak, performs Bach’s charming "Coffee Cantata" and Telemann’s comedic "Der Schulmeister" (TWV 20:57). These lighter, more narrative vocal works offer a delightful contrast to the grander operatic and oratorio performances.
The NFM’s commitment to nurturing young voices continues on October 11, 2026, when the NFM Girls’ Choir and NFM Boys’ Choir present pieces from the 2026 choral workshops. Mikołaj Szczęsny will join them at the piano, and Małgorzata Podzielny will conduct, showcasing the fruits of dedicated choral training.
The grandeur of oratorio returns on October 18, 2026, with a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s "Elijah." David Reiland will conduct the NFM Choir and Wrocław Baroque Orchestra in this monumental work, renowned for its dramatic sweep and profound spiritual message.
November 6, 2026, will feature a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem, conducted by Jonathan Nott with the NFM Choir and NFM Wrocław Philharmonic. This iconic work, imbued with mystery and profound emotion, is a cornerstone of the choral repertoire and is sure to be a highlight of the season.
As the year draws to a close, the festive spirit of the holiday season will be celebrated through a series of choral concerts. On December 12, 2026, the Wrocław Baroque Ensemble and NFM choirs will present an evening of carols, with Karol Mossakowski directing from the organ, promising a rich and traditional holiday musical experience. On December 20, the NFM Choir, with organist Karol Mossakowski, will perform "Improvisations on the themes of Christmas carols" under the direction of Lionel Sow, offering a contemporary take on familiar festive melodies. The year will conclude with a New Year’s Eve concert on December 30 & 31, 2026, featuring soprano Núria Rial as soloist with the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Jarosław Thiel. These concerts are a beloved tradition, marking the transition into the new year with celebratory music.
A New Year, New Voices, and Enduring Masterpieces
The 2027 portion of the season kicks off with a diverse range of vocal presentations. On January 10, 2027, "Emotions: A Choral Performance," featuring works from the "Pieces of Myself" project, will be presented by Art’n’Voices Ensemble, NFM Girls’ Choir, NFM Boys’ Choir, and the "Rondo" Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Małgorzata Podzielny. This program suggests a focus on contemporary choral composition and emotional expression.
The concert "A Road to Galicia" on January 14, 2027, will feature Olena Herneha, hinting at a program perhaps exploring regional folk music or historical narratives through vocal performance.
A significant operatic event will take place on January 23, 2027, with a performance of George Frideric Handel’s opera "Radamisto." The production will star Max Emanuel Cencić, Fanny Lustaud, Zachary Wilson, Katrîna Paula Felsberga, Tomáš Král, Dennis Orellana, and Kangmin Justin Kim, accompanied by the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Benjamin Bayl. This performance highlights the NFM’s commitment to presenting Baroque opera with historically informed performance practices.
The month of January concludes with two compelling choral events. On January 24, 2027, the NFM Choir and Wrocław Baroque Orchestra will perform a concert titled "Twilight," conducted by Detlef Bratschke, suggesting a program of reflective or atmospheric choral works. On January 29, Simon Wallfisch, cellist Raphael Wallfisch, and the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic will perform Jonathan Dove’s "In Exile," conducted by Łukasz Borowicz, a contemporary work that likely explores themes of displacement and identity through vocal and instrumental forces.
February 12, 2027, will see a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2, "Lobgesang" (Hymn of Praise), by the NFM Choir and NFM Wrocław Philharmonic. This grand symphony, with its significant choral movements, is a testament to Mendelssohn’s compositional prowess.
March brings a delightful and unexpected program on March 5, 2027, with a concert performance of the beloved musical "My Fair Lady" by Frederick Loewe. Wayne Marshall will conduct the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, featuring the NFM Choir and soloists, offering a chance to experience this classic musical in a concert setting.
The month continues with a focus on J.S. Bach. On March 14, Lionel Sow will lead the NFM Choir in a program of six motets by Bach, showcasing the contrapuntal mastery and spiritual depth of these sacred vocal works. The following week, on March 21, the NFM’s exploration of Bach culminates with a performance of his monumental "St Matthew Passion." Jarosław Thiel will conduct the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra, featuring soloists Robin Johannsen, Sophie Harmsen, James Gilchrist, Krystian Adam Krzeszowiak, Yannick Debus, and Callum Thorpe, delivering one of the most profound and emotionally resonant works in the Western classical canon.
March 25, 2027, will feature Andrzej Kosendiak leading the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra in "Missa Paschalis," a performance that will likely explore sacred vocal music suitable for the Easter season.
Late Season Highlights and Contemporary Commissions
The spring season continues with a diverse range of vocal performances. On April 2, 2027, Marisol Montalvo will perform Aribert Reimann’s "Finite Infinity" with the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, presenting a significant contemporary vocal work.
April 16, 2027, will feature a collaboration between the NFM Choir and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, performing works by Pärt, J.S. Bach, and Górecki, under the direction of Alexander Sitkovetsky. This program suggests a journey through different eras of compositional style, unified by the vocal medium.
The NFM’s commitment to nurturing young singers will be evident on April 18, 2027, as the NFM Boys’ Choir and NFM Girls’ Choir present a concert with the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, conducted by Małgorzata Podzielny.
May opens with a Baroque opera on May 2, 2027: a concert performance of Johann Adolph Hasse’s "Marc’ Antonio e Cleopatra." Bruno de Sá and Carlo Vistoli will take the lead roles, with Jarosław Thiel conducting the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra, offering a rare opportunity to experience this gem of the Baroque operatic repertoire.
On May 6, 2027, Agata Zubel and pianist Ignacy Lisiecki will present a diverse recital featuring works by Rorem, Korngold, Ullmann, Ives, and more. This program showcases a broad spectrum of 20th and 21st-century vocal repertoire, highlighting the versatility of the voice.
May 8, 2027, will feature a significant performance of Gustav Mahler’s "Das Lied von der Erde" (arr. A. Schönberg, R. Riehn) by the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra under the baton of Joseph Swensen. This monumental work, a profound meditation on life and nature, will be presented in a compelling arrangement, allowing for an intimate and powerful vocal experience.
The month continues with a contemporary vocal premiere on May 9, 2027, as Lionel Sow conducts the NFM Choir in Joby Talbot’s "Path of Miracles," a significant new commission that promises to expand the choral repertoire.
May 23, 2027, will feature a grand performance by the NFM Choir, L’Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, and pianist Simon Trpčeski, presenting works by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, and Fauré, conducted by Lionel Bringuier. This concert signifies a major international collaboration, bringing together prominent ensembles and soloists for a program of French Romantic vocal and orchestral masterpieces.
The season concludes with two family-friendly and celebratory events. On June 13, 2027, "Voice United Songs for Children" will be performed by the NFM Boys’ Choir, NFM Girls’ Choir, and pianist Mikołaj Szczęsny, conducted by Małgorzata Podzielny, offering an engaging program for younger audiences. The season officially closes on June 19 and 20, 2027, with two monumental performances of J.S. Bach’s "Mass in B minor" and Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana." Jarosław Thiel will conduct the NFM Choir and Wrocław Baroque Orchestra in Bach’s masterpiece on June 19. On June 20, Lionel Sow will lead the NFM Choir, NFM Girls’ Choir, and NFM Boys’ Choir in Orff’s iconic and energetic "Carmina Burana," providing a powerful and celebratory conclusion to an exceptionally rich and diverse vocal season.
The NFM’s 2026-27 season stands as a testament to the enduring power and profound beauty of the human voice. With a program that spans centuries, genres, and styles, the National Forum of Music has curated an offering that promises to engage, inspire, and move audiences, solidifying its position as a vital center for classical vocal music in Poland and beyond. The extensive list of performances underscores a strategic vision to not only present established masterpieces but also to champion new compositions and nurture the next generation of vocal artists and ensembles.
