Metastasio Without Borders Festival 2024 – program and dates unveiled
The second edition of the International Festival “Metastasio Without Borders” will be held in Supraśl and Białystok on August 10-18, 2024. The producers have announced the line-up on their social media, with the program featuring:
“Supraśl Canticles” (August 10) – concert in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Poland in Supraśl, with the Choir of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic and Violetta Bielecka conducting on the podium.
“Metastasiana: Loteria Metastasio” (August 10 and 11) – kaleidoscopic show inspired by Metastasio’s biography, screened in the windows and balconies of the historic Buchholtz Palace in Supraśl. The Early Music Ensemble “Consort 415” of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic will be led by Adam Banaszak. Michał Znaniecki directs.
“Diva Without a Mirror” (August 16) – opera monodrama performed by Małgorzata Walewska.
“Joash King of Juda” (August 18) – concert version of the two-act opera by Paweł Łukaszewski. The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Massimo Mazzeo. The cast features: Anna Wolfinger, Monika Ziółkowska, Joanna Motulewicz, Paweł Cichoński, Tomasz Rak and Krzysztof Szyfman.
The first edition of the festival, initiated by Polish director Michał Znaniecki, was held in 2023. The concept to build the Festival program around the life and work of the famous librettist Metastasio was inspired by translations of the artist’s librettos into Polish, published by the Basilian Fathers’ Printing House in Supraśl.