Ślōnskie gołymbie. Silesian tale of love, work, and a miracle

A chamber opera with comedic and dramatic elements
Co-produced with Polish History Museum, Warsaw and Silesian Opera, Bytom
World Premiere: 4 March 2027

Poland’s linguistic richness is not always reflected in its musical output. In the 2024/25 season, the Polish National Opera mounted Wòlô Bòskô, a performance sung in Kashubian, based on the region’s folk tales. This production draws on Silesian language and folklore. It also tells a dramatic love story, yet one with a happy ending.   

Ślōnskie gołymbie is an intimate musical project that tells the story of Milka and Wiluś, a couple who must fight for their love. Milka is a beautiful and vivacious young woman who falls in love with Wiluś at first sight. The feeling is requite, yet the lovers are separated by the girl's strict father. Hopke guards his daughter with his life and objects to her marrying a poor miner. He is waiting for a more eligible candidate. Watching and commenting from the sidelines are nosy neighbours. Although caustic, they root for the young couple. Unexpected aid comes from Ponboczek, who helps the young couple get married. 

The story fuses humour, accounts of the protagonists’ dramatic lives, local history, and Upper Silesian songs, forming a universal parable about love. The events unfold briskly, taking the audience through the couple’s subsequent life stages: infatuation, despair, hope, and the final celebration of life, which is not devoid of anguish.  

The performances are held at the Polish History Museum at the Warsaw Citadel (ul. Gwardii 1).