The Boys’ and Girls’ Choir of the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków was founded in 1951 by pedagogue and musician Józef Suwara. Initially comprising around 70 boys, the choir focused on a cappella and oratorio repertoire, mainly by Polish composers. From 1967 to 1995 it was led by Bronisława Wietrzny, during which time the ensemble specialized in works by Krzysztof Penderecki, including St. Luke Passion, Magnificat and Matins, touring widely across Europe, Lebanon and Iran. A recording of St. Luke Passion received the Grand Prix du Disque. The repertoire also includes Penderecki’s Credo and Benedictus as well as major vocal-instrumental works by J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel, C. Orff, G. Mahler and B. Britten.
The choir regularly collaborates with leading Polish orchestras, performs at renowned festivals in Poland and abroad, and has appeared in productions of the Kraków Opera. It has taken part in significant cultural and charitable events. After 70 years of activity, the ensemble expanded to include a girls’ section.
Since 1993 the choir has been conducted by Lidia Matynian.