The BESKID CLASSICAL FESTIVAL “BESKID CLASSICS” will, for the sixth time, present the beauty of classical music in the extraordinary landscapes of the Beskid Mountains. We can hope that this will be a soothing combination, a perfect antidote to the dramatically changing world around us. The geopolitical reshuffle of the world, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, full-scale wars on our borders – we increasingly wonder if it is heading in the right direction and if we will still be able to accommodate to the new reality.

And it is in this context that it is worth realizing that there are things whose value is timeless. They are immortal “classics,” just like classical music, whose demise has been so often predicted. But fortunately, as pianist Charles Rosen once so brilliantly put it, “the imminent demise of classical music is one of the oldest and most enduring myths in history.”

This year’s festival program will feature many works of timeless value. Works inspired by the creative passions of extraordinary artists. The wonderful actor Henryk Talar will be sharing these passions. In his anniversary year, he will return to his hometown of Kozy to share poetic reflections on his acting life at the Czeczów Palace, accompanied by music by Elgar, Karłowicz, and Debussy performed by the Mauris Ensemble.

At the Ustroń Amphitheater, where for the past two years we have been combining folk music traditions with orchestral music, we will finally be able to combine the music of the Beskid Mountains, performed by Kasia Gacek Duda and her ensemble, with a classical orchestra. I am convinced that this will be an extraordinary event.

At the Bator Gallery in Szczyrk, the excellent accordionist Klaudiusz Baran, until recently Rector of Chopin University in Warsaw, will perform with violinist Justyna Baran. Together, they will perform a repertoire of dances from around the world in subtly melancholic atmospheres, exemplified by the famous waltz from the film “Amelie.”

The festival will move to Bielsko-Biała for its five-day finale. At Sułkowski Castle, lutenist Mateusz Ławniczak and the wonderful British singer Angela Hicks will transport us to the magical world of William Shakespeare’s songs. They will remind us that his famous plays were truly musicals of their time, full of music and song.

At the Helios Cinema, you can watch the premiere of a digitally restored version of Milos Forman’s famous film “Amadeus” with music by Mozart. In Żywiec, pianists Beata Bilińska and Filip Wojciechowski with the Krakow Wind Quintet will present the extraordinary music of the American Prohibition era, when, through Joplin and Gershwin, jazz rhythms found their way into classical music. At Willa Sixta, we will hear works inspired by Iberian culture, written from Paris to South America, performed by the Cracow Guitar Quintet. We’ve planned a special highlight for the finale – American conductor Robert Israel and the Slovak Sinfonietta will perform live accompaniment to one of the most incredible stunt films of all time – “Safety Last!” starring the legendary Harold Lloyd.As always, I wish you many unforgettable experiences!

dr Paweł Kotla
Festival Director