"Mazowsze's journey over these 75 years has been nothing short of magnificent," the ensemble's director, Jacek Boniecki, told state news agency PAP.
He added that the ensemble "has become a true showcase and ambassador of Polish culture."
The anniversary concert promises a blend of beautiful dance and vocal suites from the ensemble's vast repertoire, along with archival films that narrate its storied history.
Founded by a decree of the Polish Ministry of Culture and Art on November 8, 1948, Mazowsze was initially tasked with preserving the folk repertoire of the Mazovian countryside.
The ensemble was the brainchild of composer Tadeusz Sygietyński and prewar stage actress Mira Zimińska-Sygietyńska, who vowed in the ruins of World War II to create a group that would celebrate Polish folklore.
The ensemble faced significant challenges in its history, particularly post-political transformation, as described by Boniecki. Mazowsze was sidelined, perceived as a relic of the communist era, leading to reduced subsidies and a dwindling number of artists.
"Those were years when the ensemble defended itself only with its beautiful program and the legacy of Mira Zimińska-Sygietyńska," Boniecki said.
However, Mazowsze has made a robust comeback, focusing on playing scores as originally composed by Sygietyński and restoring the ensemble to its intended size.
"We're not just restoring the music; we're rebuilding Mazowsze's stature in Polish culture," Boniecki said.
Having performed in 51 countries and viewed by over 30 million people globally, the ensemble now boasts 170 musicians and artists, including choir, ballet and orchestra members, supported by approximately 140 staff.
Over its seven-and-a-half decades, Mazowsze has expanded its repertoire to include Polish carols, patriotic songs, sacred music, and even liturgical pieces, participating in significant state and religious events.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP