During the festival workshops, shows, experiments, lessons or lectures, the participants could see that science and art are fascinating, often fun, and most importantly, available to everyone.
During the concert, the choir's repertoire included: the choral chant "Kyrie" from the 8th Missa de Angelis, the Kashubian-language piece "Mój Ójcze" by contemporary Polish composer Marek Raczyński, the poignant "Kołysanka" to words by Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński, followed by the unusual composition "Eli, eli" translated as "My God, my God, why did you abandon me" by Hungarian composer Gyorgy Deak-Bardos. At the end of the performance, the choir, together with the pianist, Dr hab. Robert Adamczak, Professor at UAM performed two very graceful sacred compositions – "Clare benediction" by the contemporary British composer John Rutter and "Ave verum" from "Stabat Mater" by the contemporary Welsh artist, Karl Jenkins.
The choral performance was warmly received and appreciated by all who attended. In addition to the University of Lodz Choir, other academic groups from Lodz could be heard: the Choir of the Medical University, the Choir of the Lodz University of Technology and the Chamber Choir of the Academy of Music.
In May, the University of Lodz Choir will perform during the National Festival of Sacred Music in Wrocław.
The University of Lodz Choir was established in 2009. Prof. Andrzej Ryłko and his daughter Aleksandra Ryłko-Sutowicz are its founders and conductors.
The choir, whose members include students, graduates, employees and enthusiasts of the university, graces academic ceremonies such as inaugurations of the academic year, its endings, ceremonies of presenting honorary titles. It also takes part in the annual editions of the Festival of Science, Technology and Art in Lodz as well as in other artistic events, including charity events (e.g. for Gajusz Foundation and the Lodz Children's Hospice).
It cooperates with cultural institutions from Lodz and the region performing, among others, at Filharmonia Łódzka, Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz University of Music in Lodz and at local monuments such as the Biedermann’s Palace, metropolitan cathedral and other churches. It also represents the university and the city in the country and abroad.
The choir has many secular and sacred pieces in its repertoire, including early music and compositions by contemporary artists. The musicians' work has been appreciated by the organisers and jurors of Polish and foreign competitions, festivals and other artistic undertakings.
Source: Aleksandra Ryłko-Sutowicz, University of Lodz Choir
Photos: University of Lodz Choir
Edit: Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz