The Choir and Early Music Ensemble of the Youth Cultural and Sports Center in Wieluń have won the Grand Prix of the 31st International Festival of Christmas Carols and Pastorals in Będzin, Poland. The winners received a prize of 10,000 PLN, funded by the Mayor of Będzin, Łukasz Komoniewski.
A Showcase of Talent Across Europe
This festival is the largest showcase of Christmas carols in Europe and one of the biggest amateur music festivals in Poland. Over 1,300 participants from Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Italy competed in various categories, including choirs, vocal groups, and regional ensembles. The grand finale featured 133 performers, evaluated by a jury of music professors led by Professor Katarzyna Sokołowska.
First held in 1995, the festival began at Będzin’s Holy Trinity Church. Initially, it drew 116 participants, but today it hosts over a thousand every year. To date, approximately 40,000 individuals have taken part in this event, honoring the festival’s late patron, Father Kazimierz Szwarlik.
Jurors praised the 2024 edition for its creative and friendly atmosphere, with heartfelt gratitude expressed to performers for their passion and dedication to music.