About the fesitval
Karłowicz FEST
Poland has never witnessed a celebration quite like this. To mark the 150th anniversary of Mieczysław Karłowicz-patron of the Szczecin Philharmonic-we invite you to honor the extraordinary legacy of this visionary composer, pioneering mountaineer, and mountain photographer.
The Music
Born on December 11, 1876, Karłowicz will be remembered exactly 150 years later as Karłowicz FEST opens on December 11, 2026. Spanning nine days through December 19, the festival goes far beyond a traditional retrospective, offering a multidimensional portrait of a truly singular artist. It is an exploration of a man consumed by the majesty of the mountains, photography, and the raw power of nature-elements that profoundly shaped both his life and his strikingly sensitive art.
Imbued with emotional depth, lyricism, and awe for the natural world, Karłowicz’s music demands to be heard anew, ready to thrill regular concertgoers and first-time listeners alike.
The Performers
The program highlights an intimate performance of his exquisite Songs alongside six grand symphonic concerts, covering virtually his entire orchestral output – ranging from the famous Violin Concerto in A major and the Rebirth Symphony to his sweeping symphonic poems.
Distinguished soloists take center stage, including world-renowned violinist Alexandra Conunova and pianist Piotr Pawlak, one of Poland’s most versatile talents. A lineup of accomplished conductors: Antoni Wit, Paweł Przytocki, Daniel Smith, and Przemysław Neumann-will lead four magnificent ensembles: Sinfonia Iuventus, the Łódź Philharmonic Orchestra, the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond the Concert Hall
Gallery Level 4 will host a curated exhibition showcasing a rich selection of Karłowicz’s original photography. Visitors will also experience a cinematic portrait of the composer in Tomasz Knittel’s documentary, followed by panel discussions exploring his mountain passions and enduring legacy.
Special concerts For Young Music Lovers
Younger audiences will find their own entryway into his world through two family concerts designed to show how Karłowicz’s music continues to move and inspire new generations.
Karłowicz – the portrait
Ultimately, these nine days offer more than a concert series – they pose a question: who was Mieczysław Karłowicz, and why does his soundscape remain so deeply resonant today?
Step into the world of Karłowicz.
We await you at the Szczecin Philharmonic.
EXPLORE THE FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Poland has never witnessed a celebration quite like this. To mark the 150th anniversary of Mieczysław Karłowicz-patron of the Szczecin Philharmonic-we invite you to honor the extraordinary legacy of this visionary composer, pioneering mountaineer, and mountain photographer.
The Music
Born on December 11, 1876, Karłowicz will be remembered exactly 150 years later as Karłowicz FEST opens on December 11, 2026. Spanning nine days through December 19, the festival goes far beyond a traditional retrospective, offering a multidimensional portrait of a truly singular artist. It is an exploration of a man consumed by the majesty of the mountains, photography, and the raw power of nature-elements that profoundly shaped both his life and his strikingly sensitive art.
Imbued with emotional depth, lyricism, and awe for the natural world, Karłowicz’s music demands to be heard anew, ready to thrill regular concertgoers and first-time listeners alike.
The Performers
The program highlights an intimate performance of his exquisite Songs alongside six grand symphonic concerts, covering virtually his entire orchestral output – ranging from the famous Violin Concerto in A major and the Rebirth Symphony to his sweeping symphonic poems.
Distinguished soloists take center stage, including world-renowned violinist Alexandra Conunova and pianist Piotr Pawlak, one of Poland’s most versatile talents. A lineup of accomplished conductors: Antoni Wit, Paweł Przytocki, Daniel Smith, and Przemysław Neumann-will lead four magnificent ensembles: Sinfonia Iuventus, the Łódź Philharmonic Orchestra, the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond the Concert Hall
Gallery Level 4 will host a curated exhibition showcasing a rich selection of Karłowicz’s original photography. Visitors will also experience a cinematic portrait of the composer in Tomasz Knittel’s documentary, followed by panel discussions exploring his mountain passions and enduring legacy.
Special concerts For Young Music Lovers
Younger audiences will find their own entryway into his world through two family concerts designed to show how Karłowicz’s music continues to move and inspire new generations.
Karłowicz – the portrait
Ultimately, these nine days offer more than a concert series – they pose a question: who was Mieczysław Karłowicz, and why does his soundscape remain so deeply resonant today?
Step into the world of Karłowicz.
We await you at the Szczecin Philharmonic.
EXPLORE THE FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM
