Inauguration of the 79th Artistic Season

The opening of a new artistic season is always a special occasion. It marks the beginning of another chapter in the history of the Szczecin Philharmonic. It invites audiences on a shared journey through the world of music – one filled with emotions, discoveries, and encounters with some of the greatest masterpieces from different eras. The inauguration of the 79th artistic season will be a celebration of symphonic music and the symbolic beginning of a year that will bring dozens of exceptional concerts, distinguished guests, and programmes designed for both our devoted concertgoers and those just beginning their adventure with classical music.

The coming season will be rich in events showcasing the diversity of musical traditions and styles. Our acclaimed concert series will return, including the highly popular Symphonic Monuments series, which offers audiences the opportunity to experience the most important works of the orchestral repertoire. We will welcome outstanding soloists, winners of prestigious international competitions, renowned conductors, and artists from around the world arriving in Szczecin. The FilHERmonia series, highlighting the creativity and achievements of women in music, will also continue.

The first edition of the Mieczysław Karłowicz Music Festival will occupy a special place in this season’s programme. Our patron is one of Poland’s greatest symphonic composers, and his symphonic poems rank among the most significant achievements of turn-of-the-century music. Polish orchestras will travel to Szczecin to perform his works, and the festival will provide an opportunity not only to listen to his music but also to reflect on Karłowicz himself and the significance of his artistic legacy. Who was the man whose name our institution bears? What values did he represent? What can his music say to contemporary audiences?

The opening concert presents the season in the best possible way. The programme begins with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Egmont Overture – a musical symbol of the struggle for freedom, courage, and steadfastness of spirit. It will be followed by Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, one of the most beautiful works of the young composer. The solo part will be performed by David Khrikuli, a pianist regarded as one of the most exciting young artists of his generation, an international competition prizewinner, and an acclaimed interpreter of the Romantic repertoire.

The second half of the evening will take us northward with Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, a work widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Scandinavian symphonic music. Monumental, spacious, and filled with growing energy, the symphony leads the listener from atmospheric landscapes to one of the most triumphant finales in musical history. The concert will be conducted by Przemysław Neumann, conductor and Artistic Director of the Szczecin Philharmonic.

The inauguration of the season is an invitation to experience music together throughout the coming year. We warmly invite you to begin this journey with us.