WHAT'S ON? Events in Warsaw
JANUARY 2012
Warsaw can rival any major city on this planet when it comes to an events lineup. Here you'll find everything from the grandiose to the intimate. With the national spotlight on this capital city, it's no wonder big stars and up-and-comers alike make their way here for a piece of the action. You might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but we'll help you make sense of it all.
Courtesy of http://www.warsaw-life.com/
Art & Culture Events in Warsaw
Cultural Events
Several commemorative events take place every year. Gatherings of thousands of people on the banks of the Vistula on Midsummer's Night for a festival called Wianki (Polish for Wreaths) have become a tradition and a yearly event in the programme of cultural events in Warsaw. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual where maidens would float their wreaths of herbs on the water to predict when they would be married, and to whom. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today.
A popular event is the prestigious Warsaw Film Festival, an annual festival that takes place every October. Films are usually screened in their original language with Polish subtitles and participating cinemas include Kinoteka (Palace of Science and Culture), Palladium and Luna. Over 100 films are shown throughout the festival, and awards are given to the best and most popular films.
The Marriage of Figaro
As one of the most popular operas in the world, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro has plenty of recognizable themes and melodies, including the opera’s overture. The plot of this opera buffa (comic opera) tells the story of a “day of madness” in Count Almaviva’s palace, continuing on the plot of The Barber of Seville. This version is performed in the original language (Italian) with Polish subtitles.
when - 14/1/2012 - 22/1/2012 - address: ul. pl. Teatralny 1
Laboratory of the Future: REGRESS PROGRESS
Presented by the Centre for Contemporary Art at Ujazdowski Castle, the Laboratory of the Future explore the future of international and Polish art and design. Presented through several "acts", exhibitions, and special projects. Exhibitions included in the series include "Where is the Green Rabbit?", "Landscape of the Future", "Aleksandra Wasilkowska's Un-Room", "Saved by Droog", and "Performing Architecture". Stop by the gallery's website for full details!
when - 21/6/2011 - 15/1/2012 - address: ul. Jazdów 2
Festival of Chamber Operas
The Warsaw Chamber Opera (Opera Kameralna), led by Stefan Sutkowski, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, and its Festival of Chamber Operas is an annual tradition. Exploring some of the most fascinating chamber operas of the 20th and 21s centuries, the group will perform works by well-known composers such as Benjamin Britten and Franic Poulenc, as well as many works by Polish composers such as Bernadetta Matuszczak's "Quo Vadis" and "Prometeusz" (Prometheus).
when - 12/9/2011 - 28/3/2012 - address: Theatre of the Warsaw Chamber Opera, al. Solidarnosci 76b.
Christmas Market
The much beloved Christmas Market returns to Warsaw's Old Town starting at the end of November. The Market Square is filled with wooden stalls selling handicrafts (Christmas ornaments, amber jewellery, ceramics, carved wood decorations, and more), traditional food, mulled wine, and hot beer. A simple, but essential Warsaw winter pleasure! Stop by the official website to read up about any special events and concerts taking place. Open until January 2012.
when - 26/11/2011 - 8/1/2012 - address: Market Square, Old Town
Fridays After Work @ Sketch
Sketch hosts their famous Friday After Work parties for Warsaw expats and professionals in their bar on ul. Foksal. It all starts from 7pm, music is provided by DJ Bumi Phillips and there is a free buffet which includes Mediterranean cuisine.
when - 1/9/2011 - 29/2/2012 - address: ul. Foksal 19