The 25th edition of the Franciszek Wybrańczyk Sinfonia Varsovia Festival “For Its City” returns to Warsaw with a celebratory program spanning from May 10 to June 16, 2025. Founded to connect Warsaw’s iconic orchestra with its local community, this milestone edition reaffirms its commitment by performing in a wide range of city venues—from scenic amphitheaters and concert halls to community-focused locations.
The festival was envisioned 25 years ago by Franciszek Wybrańczyk to bring world-class performances to the people of Warsaw. This year’s edition features 9 concerts, including the Sinfonia Varsovia Brass free performance, string ensemble showcases by the Sinfonia Varsovia Academy, and a diverse line-up of soloists and conductors such as Bruno de Sá, Yamen Saadi, Marta Kluczyńska, and Ian Hobson.
Key highlights include the opening concert Dreaming of Warsaw on May 10 at the newly renovated Sowiński Park Amphitheater. This special performance celebrates the city’s resilience and 80th anniversary of postwar reconstruction with music created during the German occupation. Pianists Aleksander Dębicz, Marcin Masecki, and Hyuk Lee join the orchestra under the baton of Marta Kluczyńska in a moving tribute.
Other standout events include:
Strings Up! Final concert of the Sinfonia Varsovia Academy on May 17
Concerting for Orchestra on May 22 with violinist Yamen Saadi and violist Avri Levitan
Inside Listening sessions on May 31 and June 1, where the audience sits inside the orchestra
Mille Affetti baroque-inspired concert with soprano Bruno de Sá on June 6
Brass on Campus outdoor jazz and pop interpretations on June 9
Horn Magic with principal horn from the Berlin Philharmonic on June 12
Closing Concert on June 16 featuring Gershwin and Moszkowski under conductor Ian Hobson
The festival not only offers diverse music programming but also invites the community to connect with the orchestra’s evolving presence in the capital. As Sinfonia Varsovia prepares to inaugurate its revitalized concert space in Grochowska and looks forward to its new concert hall, this edition serves as a bridge between legacy and future.
Supported by the City of Warsaw, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and various cultural partners, the festival continues to uphold the vision of accessible, meaningful, and powerful live music for all residents of Warsaw.
Full program and tickets https://www.sinfoniavarsovia.org/poznaj-nasze-wydarzenia/svsm-2025/