Choral Sounds in the Unique Setting of Lubostroń
Last weekend (20–21 June), the Lubostroń Palace once again resonated with choral music. Twelve ensembles competed in the 3rd National Choral Competition and Festival “For the Golden Atlas Globe.”
The Grand Prix was awarded to Soul Singers Vocal Ensemble from Bydgoszcz, conducted by Ilona Pawłowska and Karolina Podwysocka. The ensemble also received the special prize for the best performance of a work inspired by Pałuki folklore for its rendition of “Swaty pałuckie” by Piotr Jańczak.
The award for Best Festival Conductor went to Dariusz Zimnicki, conductor of the Warsaw Archcathedral Choir. In addition, prizes and distinctions were awarded in five competition categories.
The performances were evaluated by a jury composed of:
- Elżbieta Wtorkowska, Rector of the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz – Chair of the Jury,
- Philip Seward – conductor,
- Łukasz Hermanowicz – conductor.
The jury assessed, among other aspects, intonation, vocal technique, musical expression, repertoire selection, and overall artistic presentation.
The Lubostroń Choral Festival continues to strengthen its position among Poland’s leading choral competitions each year. This is evidenced both by the growing number of participants and by the fact that this year’s edition featured an international choir for the first time — the Verum Cantus Polish Community Choir from Belarus. The Belarusian singers, conducted by Janina Chwalko and Swietlana Kolesnikowa, won first place in the mixed choirs category.
Festival audiences also had the opportunity to enjoy performances by a wide variety of vocal ensembles. Parish choirs took part in the festival for the first time. The youngest participants were members of the “Rubinki” Children’s Choir from the Artur Rubinstein State Music School Complex in Bydgoszcz.
More information is available on the festival’s website and Facebook page.
Read also: Harmony of Voices and Organ Pipes – an interview with Krzysztof Fryska, founder and artistic director of the National Choral Competition and Festival “For the Golden Atlas Globe” in Lubostroń.
Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson
Marshal’s Office of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region
23 July 2026
