Hajnówka’s holiday of Singing

Polish Orthodox Church
Maria Nalewajko
16.05.2011

On 8th May 2011 the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music has started. It began from religious service and performance of famous old Polish song “Gaude Mater Polonia”.

This is the place where 30 years ago, then small, now great work has been started. By this I mean singing competition in Hajnówka – said metropolitan Sawa to the huge audience in Hajnówka’s cathedral.
Metropolitan has also stressed the fact what a surprise it has become that so many choirs come to Hajnówka. He also mentioned the split of the festival into two, the other being held in Białystok.

Mayor of Hajnówka has symbolically opened the festival. We have gathered here today again at the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music. It is a peculiar event by cultural and religious means. The rank of the festival is affirmed by patronage of the president. Over 30 years almost one thousand choirs have performed. Moreover, the best experts of church music across the whole world are members of the jury.
President’s vice secretary of state, Maciej Klimczak has read the letter from the President, Bronisław Komorowski. Mr President has stressed the cultural importance of the festival. The also expressed his satisfaction from holding the patronage, as well as from participation of domestic choirs, representing Orthodox community in Poland. He wished the audience many spiritual impressions.

Many important guests has attended the opening of the festival. Among them were bishop Jerzy, Orthodox Ordinary of Polish Army, Eugeniusz Czykwin from Polish Seym as well as representatives of local authorities and sponsors.
T
he opening concert has been performed by The Choir of Białystok’s Opera and Philharmonic. The choir has sung 11 church songs. It has been conducted by its director Violetta Bielecka.

The competition auditions has been carrid out from 10 until 13th May. During each day 8 choirs performed their programme. Two gala concertshas ended the festival. One has been held on 14th May in Hajnówka’s Cathedral and the second one in Hagia Sophia church in Białystok.

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