The cornerstone for the Grand Theatre was laid on November 19, 1825. The building, designed by Italian architect Antonio Corazzi, took eight years to complete.
The event also marks the 60th anniversary of the theatre’s reopening following reconstruction after its destruction in World War II.
The Grand Theatre/National Opera in Warsaw. Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak
Billed as a musical journey through the institution's two-century history, the gala will feature works by Polish composers Fryderyk Chopin and Stanisław Moniuszko, considered the father of Polish national opera, as well as music by Karol Szymanowski, Krzysztof Penderecki and Wojciech Kilar.
The programme also includes popular arias and choral numbers from operas by Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Verdi and Bizet.
Opera singers Aleksandra Kurzak, Andrzej Filończyk, Piotr Buszewski and Rafał Siwek—all of whom started their careers at the Grand Theatre/National Opera—will perform with the Opera Orchestra conducted by Patrick Fournillier. The Polish National Ballet will also perform.
Warsaw's National Opera in 1840. Image: Polona, Public domain
President Karol Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocka are expected to attend.
Orliński, one of the world’s most sought-after countertenors, will host the gala with television presenter Grażyna Torbicka.
Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński. Photo: Piotr Podlewski/Polish Radio
The event will be broadcast live by Polish state television TVN, public broadcaster Polish Radio 2 and the free streaming platform Opera Vision, where it will remain available on demand until May 29.