Middle-Age Mazowieckie

On November 19 and 26 as well as December 3, Warsaw's Royal Castle will be filled with the sound of music, as orchestral groups perform pieces dating from the 16th century and earlier. The concerts are part of a wider event across the Warsaw area, the XVI Festiwal Muzyki Dawnej (Festival of Music from the Past). The program features music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as Romantic and Classical music. The musicians use traditional instruments in their performances, adding both audio and visual authenticity to the spectacle.

The concert on November 19 features Orkiestra Złotego Wieku (the Golden Age Orchestra), who are to perform several Latin choruses and Medieval refrains. The Subtilior Ensemble and Zespół Polski, directed by Jacek Urbaniak and Maria Pomianowska respectively, will also be performing on the night.

The concert's music is based on the work of the 15th-century composer Mikołaj of Radom, whose manuscripts are now housed in the National Library of Poland. The composer's music was renowned for its religious contemplation. Mikołaj of Radom was connected with the court of Władysław Jagiełło, the first king from the Jagiellonian dynasty. Folk songs are also on the Medieval menu, ranging from those of a pious and devotional nature, to jovial tunes from the proto-plebeians.

The concerts will be held in Sala Wielka in the Royal Castle, at 6 pm.

For more information, visit www.zamek-krolewski.com.pl

Victoria Baghdjian