On Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM, Hala Koszyki will once again transform into an extraordinary opera stage. This time, the audience will have the chance to experience one of the most significant works of Polish opera – Halka by Stanisław Moniuszko. The event is part of the Opera at Koszyki project, which has been drawing crowds since 2022 by offering free opera performances in the heart of Warsaw.

The goal of the Opera at Koszyki project is not only to promote opera but also to break stereotypes associated with its traditional form. Previous performances, including La Bohème, Carmen, The Magic Flute, and The Marriage of Figaro, attracted over 7,000 spectators, proving that opera can be appealing to everyone.

Halka – A Polish National Opera in a Modern Adaptation

The fifth edition of Opera at Koszyki presents Halka in a 1990s style. During the 90-minute performance, the audience will experience a unique contemporary interpretation of this classic work.

Moniuszko’s masterpiece is undoubtedly one of the most famous and popular Polish operas and among the most frequently staged. The role of the titular character will be performed by the outstanding singer Natalia Kawałek. The musical direction will be led by the renowned conductor and violinist Stefan Plewniak. Accompanying the excellent singers will be a quartet consisting of accordion, violin, double bass, and percussion instruments.

The Story of Halka

The opera Halka tells the dramatic story of a peasant girl, Halka, and her love for the nobleman Jontek. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of social contrasts and personal tragedies, with deeply rooted themes of betrayal, honor, and sacrifice. It is a tale of an unequal class struggle, passion, despair, and an inevitable tragic ending that leaves viewers reflecting on moral and social values.

Cast:

Halka / Artistic Direction – Natalia Kawałek
Zofia – Anna Koźlakiewicz
Janusz – Sebastian Szumski
Jontek – Łukasz Hajduczenia
Cześnik – Łukasz Karuda
Bard – Jacek Hałas
Three Bridesmaids – Aleksandra Koczurko-Porzycka, Ewelina Pachnik, Aleksandra Dyrna

Ensemble:

• Violin / Musical Direction – Stefan Plewniak
• Accordion – Paweł Janas
• Double Bass – Łukasz Madej
• Percussion – Wojciech Lubertowicz

Opera for Everyone

One of the key elements of Opera at Koszyki is free admission to the event. This is made possible thanks to the co-organizer, Globalworth, the owner and manager of Hala Koszyki, which has supported this ambitious project from the beginning. It is not only a form of promoting opera but also an important aspect of cultural education. The event is part of the Opera at Koszyki series, offering another opportunity to demonstrate that this seemingly demanding musical genre is for everyone. It is also proof that classical music can accompany us anywhere, even at Hala Koszyki. The project was nominated for the 2023 S3KTOR Award by Warsaw residents as the best initiative of the year.

“Halka marks the fifth edition of Opera at Koszyki. Previous productions have been enthusiastically received by audiences, with each arrangement drawing large crowds. It is a great pleasure for us to popularize classical music. Initiatives like this prove that Warsaw’s most recognizable food hall is not only an excellent place to spend leisure time but also an ideal space for promoting culture,” says Piotr Krowicki, Marketing Manager of Hala Koszyki.

Organizers:

Hala Koszyki | Julian Cochran Foundation | Globalworth Poland

Partners:

Winnica L’Opera | Mindspace.me | Food and Mood.Space

Media Patronage:

TVP Kultura | Portal Orfeo | Blecanto / Aleksandra Koczurko-Porzycka | Presto. Muzyka Film Sztuka | Business Magazine | Anywhere.pl Media Platform

Event Agenda:

Opera Halka, June 20, mezzanine of Hala Koszyki (Koszykowa Street 63, Warsaw), 7:30 PM. Admission is free.

Hala Koszyki was built over 100 years ago on Koszykowa Street in Warsaw on the grounds of the former Koszyki estate. Designed in the Art Nouveau style by architect Juliusz Dzierżanowski, it returned to the city’s map in the fall of 2016 as a unique social and culinary hub, where visitors can dine at several restaurants and bars or purchase groceries to take home. The complex includes 16,000 square meters of office space and 6,500 square meters of retail space. Hala Koszyki is owned and managed by Globalworth. Learn more at: www.koszyki.com.