Music as a language of understanding – traditional song workshops for ages 16+ as part of the “Polfonia” project

Singing that connects generations. Voices that for decades have carried the memories, emotions and stories of people living beyond the Bug River. During the November workshops at the Passage of Dialogue (Przejście Dialogu), participants will be able to immerse themselves in the world of traditional songs – simple, raw and yet deeply moving melodies that for centuries have built community and identity.

The meeting is part of the Polfonia project – an artistic and research initiative devoted to discovering and reconstructing the old polyphonic songs of Poles from the East and in the East. The project aims not only to save traditional melodies from oblivion, but also to bring them back to life through singing together.

During the workshops, participants will learn natural voice production techniques, learn several polyphonic songs and discover their social and cultural significance. Most important of all, however, will be the experience of singing together – openness to sound, to harmony and to the presence of others.

The workshop will be led by the duo Kurkowicz/Braszak – Dorota Kurkowicz and Piotr Braszak – researchers and performers of traditional music and prize-winners at the 7th and 8th Tournament of True Musicians (Turniej Muzyków Prawdziwych) at the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin. Their passion for folk music grew out of fieldwork, meetings with village singers and a fascination with oral tradition and the sound of old songs.

The Polfonia project is carried out under a 2025 scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. More information, recordings and descriptions can be found on the project website – click to see.