KrakowInformer.com

Krakow Philharmonic

For a more sophisticated time in Krakow, you should definitely visit the Krakow Philharmonic. The Philharmonic Hall is located in an attractive, historic building near the Planty Park, and the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra can be counted as one of the best in Poland. Apart from the Krakow Philharmonic's own orchestra, many visiting, international orchestras often visit the hall, and whenever you are in the mood, you can try and drop in... if you manage to get some tickets, that is.

Some History of the Krakow Philharmonic

First attempts to create a Philharmonic Orchestra in Krakow were made in the 18^th century, but no professional orchestra was formed until 1909. During World War I, the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra obviously didn't work, but in 1919 it started off again in a big, 80-person line-up, and it continued until 1939. During World War II the Krakow Philharmonic Hall hosted the General-Government's orchestra. Many Polish musicians' lives were saved thanks to its German conductor, Hans Rohr. After 1945, the Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra was the first one in Poland to start playing again, and in 1962 it was named after Karol Szymanowski, one of Poland's highest-rated composers.

The Repertoire of the Krakow Philharmonic

The Krakow Philharmonic Hall hosts at least three concerts a week and has a very wide repertoire, starting from chamber music to full, symphonic concerts. The repertoire is organized into several categories, including “Big Events” - concerts of “stars” of classical music, “Children's concerts” or “Wawel Evenings” - a series of events in the Wawel Castle.

Tickets to the Krakow Philharmonic

Tickets to the Krakow Philharmonic – especially for any of the “Big Events” may be difficult to obtain, so it's best to book in advance. This can be done in the Audience Management Department of the Krakow Philharmonic, even a month before the event. On the other hand, the tickets to the regular concerts of the Cracow Philharmonic aren't too expensive, and their prices span from 12 to 40 zloty – so sometimes a visit in the Philharmonic Hall can be cheaper than in the Krakow Cinemas or Theaters.

Krakow Philharmonic – Useful Information

The Krakow Philharmonic is on 1 Zwierzyniecka Street, near the Planty Park and the Radisson Hotel. The telephone number for booking tickets is  (+48) 12 429 13 45 . Most of the concerts take place in one of the halls of the Philharmonic on Zwierzyniecka Street, but some events are organized in the Wawel Castle or the Jagiellonian University's Collegium Novum, so be sure to double-check the exact location after you get your ticket to the Krakow Philharmonic.