Director buddies: will Break in Classic Festival reinvent classical music?
Is there anyone who hasn’t fallen under the spell of Jakub Józef Orliński? It seems that the moment you hear him, you’re instantly captivated by both his voice and his charisma. I still remember June 8, 2018, when I first saw Jakub live at the Redutowe Rooms of the Polish National Opera. It was like a revelation. A month later, his portrait graced the cover of “Ruch Muzyczny” and… found a permanent place on the wall of our Julian Cochran Foundation office. For me, it has become a point of reference in difficult moments – a glance at that cover has always brought a smile to my face. Together with Aleksander Dębicz, we created something special: the first online concert from Hala Koszyki during the pandemic. Not only is he a brilliant pianist, but also a warm-hearted person whose technique can deeply move listeners.
Last year, on a warm August evening, both artists performed at the Bieliński Palace in Otwock Wielki. Orliński appeared to the gathered audience in a palace window, like a character from a Shakespearean drama. But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Jakub is the sun! Romeo might have said that, watching him – with his electrifying presence and exceptional talent, this countertenor held the audience spellbound. Little did they know that this summer evening’s performance would mark the beginning of a new musical venture – Break in Classic.
From idea to execution, less than eight months passed, and Orliński and Dębicz were invited to become the festival’s artistic directors. Two directors? Unusual? Of course! And refreshingly unconventional in the classical music world. This place is wonderful and extraordinary – not only for artists but also for Warsaw residents,” said Aleksander Dębicz during the new festival’s press conference. Many people still don’t know about it, but we want to change that. We want it to become a space full of energy, pulsing with life. We’ll create a unique program that will bring the palace to life. The meeting with journalists was extremely friendly and full of enthusiasm. The artists took a relaxed approach to classical music: Orliński wore a light T-shirt, and Dębicz a casual blazer.
Two more people stand behind the creation of Break in Classic: Marta Szymańska, former Head of Cultural Projects at the National Museum in Warsaw, and Paweł Szumny from Toinen Music, manager of Aleksander Dębicz. My goal was to make the museum a living space, where people can laugh, have fun, and discover new things. When I saw photos of Olympic athletes taken in museums in Paris, I thought – let’s bring that kind of energy to the Museum of Interiors in Otwock Wielki, explained Szymańska.
The aim of Break in Classic is to show that classical music can spark the same emotions as popular music: enthusiasm, passion, energy, laughter. From August 15–17, 2025, the picturesque park surrounding the palace in Otwock Wielki will become a stage where classical music meets modern genres. The festival lineup includes artists who aren’t afraid to flirt with blues, jazz, or electronic music. Featured performers include Il Giardino D’Amore, David Bergmüller, David Orlowsky, Aphrodite Patoulidou, Lucie Horsch, Elina Duni, Rob Luft, and many others. The audience will have the chance to immerse themselves in a rich variety of styles and emotions that, organizers hope, will define Break in Classic as a festival that bridges generations and genres. We’re going to create something that changes the way people see classical music. It’ll be an exciting event full of freedom, fun, and great music – but always in the best taste, emphasize Orliński and Dębicz with enthusiasm.
The festival also stands out for its playful communication. Its narrative is built on the contrast between historical heritage and the spontaneity, ease, and energy of its artistic directors. In one photo, Orliński is seen driving a small tractor, pulling Dębicz on a trailer behind him. Reportedly, the scene was an organic improvisation—which only proves how much the two enjoy improvising, both on stage and in photo shoots.
Something fades away so that something new can be born. The issue of “Ruch Muzyczny” with Jakub Józef Orliński on the cover? After tough negotiations, I handed it over to an investor who significantly helped our foundation. In the end, I decided to replace the photograph with a living experience – watching Poland’s most famous countertenor live during a summer festival in Otwock Wielki.
Who? What? Where? When?
Break in Classic
Museum of Interiors in Otwock Wielki
August 15-17, 2025