Discover the bold, beautiful sounds of Poland.

Poland's musical landscape is as rich and varied as its history. At the 2025 International Festival, you can explore this dynamic heritage in a captivating series of performances.

The Focus on Poland series is a celebration of our long-standing friendship with Poland, and part of our ongoing mission to bring the world’s most exciting artists to Edinburgh. A vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that is not to be missed.

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The intricate beauty of piano works. Soaring strings and genre-bending folk fusion.  This curated selection reaches beyond the stage of The Focus on Poland series. Dive deeper into our featured artists' discographies and delve into compelling Polish compositions.

Please note, not all tracks included on this playlist are part of The Focus on Poland series.

Focus on Poland Artists

Catch the featured artists joining us in August at the 2025 International Festival. 

NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra 
Sun 10 Aug 2025, 7.30pm & Mon 11 Aug 2025, 7.30pm 

Leading our Focus on Poland series is the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra from Wrocław. For nearly 40 years, this string orchestra has honed their unique sound under the leadership of exceptional violinist-directors.  

Renowned for their distinctive string sound and bold programming, this orchestra, under the direction of British violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, promises an emotive residency. Their residency includes works by Bacewicz, Strauss, Kilar and Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, followed by a personal tribute to Yehudi Menuhin, performed by Sitkovetsky and Nicola Benedetti.

Piotr Anderszewski 
Mon 11 Aug 2025, 11.00am 

Celebrated for his subtle and deeply personal interpretations, Polish pianist Piotr Anderszewski brings his signature sensitivity to Béla Bartók’s 14 Bagatelles.

Written in 1908, these short but striking pieces reveal Bartók’s departure from European convention and his burgeoning fascination with the folk traditions of Hungary and Transylvania. In Anderszewski’s hands, their compact form becomes a canvas for an extraordinary range of emotion and style. 

VOŁOSI 
Sat 9 Aug 2025, 7.00pm 

For a jolt of high-energy, genre-crossing innovation, look no further than VOŁOSI. Drawing inspiration from the music of the Beskidy Mountains, VOŁOSI seamlessly blends traditional Polish folk elements with a vast array of other musical genres. A testament to the vibrant, evolving nature of Polish music.

Bomsori Kim & Thomas Hoppe
Thu 14 Aug 2025, 11.00am 

The program featuring violinist Bomsori Kim and pianist Thomas Hoppe is a must-hear, particularly for their inclusion of works by the Polish Romantic composer and violin virtuoso, Henryk Wieniawski. Kim’s electrifying technique and lush tone breathe life into Wieniawski’s deeply expressive music. 

Wrocław Baroque Ensemble
Sat 16 Aug 2025, 11.00am 

Finally, step back in time with the Wrocław Baroque Ensemble as they delve into choral works from the Polish Renaissance. Their concert draws from Mikołaj Zieleński’s Offertoria et Communiones totius anni (1611), a collection of over 100 sacred pieces.  

While the life of Zieleński remains something of a mystery, the works he left behind are imbued with stunning charm, ranging in mood from the celebratory to the meditative. The ensemble's performance offers a window into a captivating period of Polish musical history. 

Discover More

Whether you are discovering Polish music for the very first time or reconnecting with beloved voices, the Focus on Poland series invites you to experience the depth, beauty, and sheer diversity of one of Europe's most musically rich nations. 

Focus on Poland is supported by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Republic of Poland, alongside Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Polish Cultural Institute London.