In 2020 the Polish National Opera celebrated 55 years since the reconstruction and reopening of its historical building in Teatralny Square in Warsaw. The ambitious project of rebuilding the opera house from ruins had been brought to a conclusion twenty years after the war. The revamped opera house officially opened on 19 November 1965. Soon after, the company moved into its new home from a temporary venue in Nowogrodzka Street.
The reopening of the Teatr Wielki gave new impetus to the development of the company. Productions shown on the enormous stage needed a mighty chorus. The ensemble soon earned the reputation of being one of the best of its kind in Poland, mostly thanks to the outstanding vocal skills of its members and their excellent ability to sing together. Over the years, a string of chorus masters dedicated themselves to maintaining high musical standards in the ensemble. They were Józef Bok, Zofia Urbanyi-Świrska, Henryk Wojnarowski, Lech Gorywoda, Jan Szyrocki, and Bogdan Gola. Since the 2016/2017 season, the chorus is led by Mirosław Janowski. The ensemble performs in opera productions, symphony concerts, and has its own concert schedule.
The chorus’s prowess prompted prominent French conductor Patrick Fournillier, who has been the Polish National Opera’s artistic director since the 2022/2021 season, to mount a show starring the chorus in the leading role.
Creative
Patrick Fournillier Conductor
Piotr Staniszewski Conductor (Mar. 20, Jun. 23)
Mirosław Janowski Chorus Master
Jere Erkkilä Director
Anna Kontek Set and Costume Designer
Ilona Molka Choreography