Filharmonia Zabrzańska, Zabrze

Zabrze Philharmonic - a cultural institution of the city of Zabrze, founded in 1950 as the Miners' Trade Union Philharmonic. Its goal was to popularize music among workers. From the beginning it also conducted activities aimed at younger audiences - children and adolescents.

The repertoire presented at the Zabrze Philharmonic has evolved from operettas and operas to typical philharmonic concerts.

In the 1980s, the ensemble was named the "State Philharmonic" as a sign of government recognition.

The Zabrze Philharmonic has hosted many renowned artists from Poland, the most famous of whom were the conductors: Grzegorz Fitelberg, Karol Stryja, Marek Pijarowski and the soloists: Wiesław Ochman, Bernard Ładysz, Piotr Paleczny, Wojciech Waleczek, Krystian Zimmerman and Halina Czerny-Stefańska, as well as foreign artists.

The Zabrze Philharmonic Orchestra takes part in numerous festivals, such as: the Krystyna Jamruz Festival in Busko-Zdrój, the International Festival of Sacred Music "Gaude Mater" in Częstochowa, the Jan Kiepura Festival in Krynica, the Silesian Composers' Tribune in Katowice, the Star Festival in Międzyzdroje and others. He also performs at foreign concerts

The Zabrze Philharmonic is also active in the field of publishing - its orchestra has released 2 CDs and recorded performances for TVP.

Its chief and artistic director since 1990 is Slawomir Chrzanowski.

Since 2010, the Philharmonic has had its seat in the historic building of the former Donnersmarck Library. It was founded by the Zabrze philanthropist Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck.