Masterclasses

The first vocal masterclasses have taken place at The Krakow Salon of Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki. Bringing together young singers with leading performers and teachers, the sessions marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Salon – a place that celebrates the memory of its patrons while finding new ways to carry their artistic legacy forward.

For almost five decades, Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki’s home in Krakow was an important meeting place in Polish cultural life. Artists, academics and figures from the worlds of culture and business gathered here. Conversations led to friendships, collaborations and new projects, many of which made a lasting contribution to Poland’s musical life.

Now, music is filling the house once again. The Krakow Salon of Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki is becoming a lively space for workshops and masterclasses, recitals, talks and the exchange of ideas – a place where established artists can meet, work with and inspire a new generation of musicians.

The Salon opened its programme with Masterclasses at The Krakow Salon of Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki, organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and the Ludwig van Beethoven Association.

The young singers worked with acclaimed bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny, joined by Piotr Jaworski and Anton Ziegler. The small-scale, intimate setting allowed each participant to work closely with the artists – an invaluable opportunity to develop their musical personality, explore interpretation and find their own artistic voice.

Nine young singers were selected to take part: Monika Radecka, Wiktor Kowalski, Michał Błocki, Mateusz Kulczyński, Sebastian Rutkowski, Joanna Zaucha, Karolina Wiewióra, Mateusz Michałowski and Mateusz Ługowski.

The masterclasses culminated in a concert on 14 August 2026. More than simply the conclusion of five days of intensive work, it marked the symbolic beginning of a new chapter for the Pendereckis’ Krakow home – once again opening its doors to young artists, audiences and, above all, live music.

Choosing masterclasses to launch the Salon’s programme was particularly fitting. For decades, Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki supported young musicians, helping them develop their careers and find their way into the professional music world. They understood that even the greatest talent needs time, encouragement and thoughtful guidance – as well as opportunities to learn from outstanding performers and teachers.

The Salon continues that tradition. Rather than simply looking back, it aims to keep the Pendereckis’ legacy alive – creating space for new interpretations, artistic discovery, conversation and encounters whose outcomes cannot always be predicted.

Here, experience can meet a new generation, tradition can meet the freedom to explore, and young artists can make important early choices with the guidance and support of leading musicians.

The first series of masterclasses may have come to an end, but this is only the beginning for The Krakow Salon of Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki.

Young musicians, students and recent graduates of music colleges and conservatoires are invited to look out for news of the next edition. The forthcoming masterclasses will offer another opportunity for focused work with leading artists, as well as the chance to showcase their talent in a place with a remarkable musical history.

Details of the programme, dates and application process for the next masterclasses, taking place in September with pianist Krzysztof Jabłoński, will be announced soon.

The Krakow Salon of Elzbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki is opening its doors once again to music, to conversation and to new generations of artists.