The Polish word for carol, kolęda, likely derives from the Latin calendae, which referred to the first day of the month in ancient Rome. The most extravagantly celebrated calendae were those on 1 January, coinciding with New Year's festivities established on this date by Julius Caesar. These celebrations were accompanied by songs that, with the advent of Christianity, became increasingly religious. Eventually, kolęda came to mean songs associated with the Christmas season.

The oldest known Polish carol is Zdrow bądź, krolu anjelski  (Hail, Angelic King) from 1424. Pastoral songs have a shorter history, dating back to the 18th century. Unlike solemn carols traditionally sung in churches, pastoral songs sparkle with folk motifs, often featuring shepherds on their way to Bethlehem as the main characters. Today, the line between these genres has blurred, and both accompany us during Christmas, not only in churches. The tradition of singing carols on Christmas Eve - even if only a few verses - is still alive. Carols are common on the radio, in televised concerts featuring stars, and at post-Christmas performances. One such series of concerts will take place during the Poznań Carolling Festival (Poznańskie Kolędowanie).

"I'm really looking forward to Poznańskie Kolędowanie," says Edyta Muchowiecka-Kominek, conductor of the WSB Merito Ignis Cantores Academic Choir, one of the festival's participants. "We prepare a carol programme for the choir every two years, so our anticipation is already quite palpable. We're working on new pieces but also revisiting the ones we know well."

Asked how the Poznań Carolling Festival has managed to reach its seventeenth edition (with no signs of stopping), the conductor points not only to the enthusiasm of the choirs eager to perform during the festive season but also to the audience's needs: "Every now and then we've had people spontaneously singing along with us. When I lead a concert, I always try to select one or two carols for the audience to join in. It's practically the only time of year when audience members can participate in creating the concert. Carols are a well-loved and familiar repertoire, which makes this possible."

Muchowiecka-Kominek attributes the festival's success to its artistic structure. She highlights how many ensembles are being invited, the diversity of musical traditions they represent, and the quality of their performances. Her claims are supported by this year's programme, curated by the festival organisers: the Poznań Boys' Choir and the Artis Choralis Association. They have arranged a staggering 20 concerts featuring 26 ensembles, as well as soloists and instrumentalists. The event will be inaugurated with a performance by the Poznań Cathedral Choir in the cathedral on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island). On 28 December, the renowned Poznań vocal sextet Affabre Concinui will perform at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. On Epiphany, a special concert titled Cicha Noc pokój ludziom niesie (Silent Night Brings Peace to All) will take place at 8 p.m. in the Parish Church, featuring the Kalisz Big Band New Collective among others. Earlier that day, at 5 p.m., the Poznań Boys' Choir will perform at the Evangelical-Augsburg Church on ul. Obozowa. An international guest will also grace the festival: on 11 January, the acclaimed German ensemble Octavians will appear at the Church of St Michael the Archangel. The programme also includes girls' choirs, youth choirs, and senior ensembles.

The concerts are not confined to the city centre but will also be held in parishes across the districts of Grunwald, Piątkowo, Górczyn, and Winogrady. The festival's reach beyond the central areas is another significant aspect for Muchowiecka-Kominek, "No more than a block away, in your local parish, you can be sure to find top-quality music. The festival offers this opportunity to everyone, including those unable to travel farther."

Until 19 January, Poznań will resonate with festive singing. This provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the musical spirit of the season, find a moment of calm, and even join in the celebrations. Just like Kuba Nieboraczek, the character from the closing verses of the pastoral song Hej, w dzień narodzenia  (Hey, on the Day He Was Born), who, at the manger, "produced such a charming sheep-like sound" that he startled Saint Joseph himself. The point is not to be shy about singing but to participate in it. So, let us join the choristers and have a go at singing "Hej, kolęda, kolęda!" together.

author: Paweł Binek

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

XVII Poznańskie Kolędowanie (17th Poznań Carolling Festival)

churches across Pozna, 26 December 2024 - 19 January 2025,

for more information, visit: poznanskiekoledowanie.com, admission free

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2024