An avant-garde music festival held annually in Kraków, Poland, SACRUM PROFANUM has evolved into a cutting-edge celebration of contemporary and experimental music since its inaugural edition. Established in 2003, the festival was initially dedicated to showcasing secular and sacral music of the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the years, however, it has expanded its scope to embrace a diverse range of genres, pushing the boundaries of classical, electronic, and alternative music. Renowned for its innovative programming, the festival has featured collaborations with leading contemporary artists, orchestras, and electronic music pioneers, fostering a dynamic platform for musical experimentation and cross-genre exploration. SACRUM PROFANUM has become a cultural hub, attracting music enthusiasts, avant-garde aficionados, and artists from around the world, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the realm of contemporary music festivals. Read more about the festival, its origins and evolution here.
Collaborating photographer Norbert Burkowski covered two days of the festival at the Stary Teatr and the Małopolski Ogród Sztuki.
All photos by Norbert Burkowski (No.photos)
for Kraków Music and Sacrum Profanum
NEW MUSIC IN THE OLD THEATRE
Stary Teatr | Friday 10 November 2023
foyer
Michał Górczyński
new piece* for clarinettist and robotic arm (2023) 20′
new piece* for clarinettist and robotic arm (2023) 20′
Modrzejewska Hall
Nina Fukuoka – on_the_other_side – scene for a violinist for violin (2018–2023) 10′
Alvin Lucier – Love Song for two violins (2016) 13′
foyer
Michał Górczyński / Wojtek Kiwer / Dominika Wiak
improvisation (2023) 20′
improvisation (2023) 20′
Large Stage
Julius Eastman
Colors for a cappella choir (1973) 20′
Colors for a cappella choir (1973) 20′
BE Zone
Kuba Krzewiński
Contre No. 1 for violin and cello (2017) 15′
Contre No. 1 for violin and cello (2017) 15′
Kora, Michał Pepol
KCKM for cello and electronics (2022) 4′
KCKM for cello and electronics (2022) 4′
cloakroom
David Lang
for love is strong (after The Song of Songs) for a cappella choir (2008) 11′
for love is strong (after The Song of Songs) for a cappella choir (2008) 11′
PATTERNS
Małopolski Ogród Sztuki | Saturday 11 November 2023
Tristan Perich
Open Symmetry for three vibraphones and single–bit electronics (2018) 53′ [Polish première]
Eklekto | Ensemble 0
Open Symmetry for three vibraphones and single–bit electronics (2018) 53′ [Polish première]
Eklekto | Ensemble 0
Wojtek Blecharz
Piano Concerto for piano, wireless speakers and 1–5 performers (2023) 45′ [world première]
Piano Concerto for piano, wireless speakers and 1–5 performers (2023) 45′ [world première]
Wojtek Blecharz – performance
Rei Nakamura – piano
