CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS IN POLAND
Small rooms sell out first and the famous ones sell out earliest of all. Below: the 4 to book ahead, what each seat costs and how they differ.
Spend 50 minutes with a solo pianist in the Royal Chopin Hall, a candlelit 17th-century room beside Wawel Castle. The program mixes Chopin with Beethoven, Ravel, Debussy, Rachmaninov, and Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz. VIP seating covers the first two rows and may include wine, while all seating is unassigned.
“It was absolutely beautiful and a great end to a wonderful time in krakow”
Spend 50 minutes with Chopin in a candlelit gallery on Krakow’s Slawkowska Street. Award-winning pianists perform mazurkas, ballades, waltzes, and polonaises on a Yamaha grand piano, with wine or water served before the music. The 15th-century setting is atmospheric, though seating can feel tight and the wine is basic.
“A lovely evening listening to Chopin music in an intimate venue and enjoying an excellent performance by the pianist. The wine wasn’t the greatest quality but we didn’t attend for the wine!”
Spend an hour with Chopin at Krakow’s Bernardine Monastery, a 17th-century hall at the foot of Wawel Castle. A host introduces the composer and pianist before a live program of polonaises, waltzes, nocturnes, and preludes. Seats are unassigned, so arrive 15 minutes early. Prosecco is included.
“Great rehearsal space for students of the academy to showcase their skills to a small but engaged audience. It’s like a private concert for some of the impressive music from this renound composer.”
Spend 50 minutes with a live pianist in Gdansk's 13th-century St. Catherine's Church. The candlelit program changes daily and may include Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. Performances are hosted in English or Polish, with small-group seating and heaters available in colder weather.
“A wonderful experience in a delightful setting. Our pianist was talented and told us about the pieces. Plenty of heaters to keep us warm too.”
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