Głogówek hosts 33rd Silesian Beethoven Festival

The 33rd Silesian Ludwig van Beethoven Festival is set to take place in Głogówek, Poland, from September 13 to 22. The town holds a unique historical connection to the composer, as it is the only city in Poland where Beethoven lived and composed.

In 1806, while fleeing Napoleon's advancing armies in Vienna, Beethoven arrived in Głogówek at the invitation of Count Francis von Oppersdorff. During his stay at the Oppersdorff castle, he composed his Fourth Symphony and began work on his Fifth Symphony. Maciej Fortuna, director of the Opole Philharmonic, noted that recent findings, such as payment records from the local prince, provide further evidence of this period.

The festival program features five chamber concerts with artists from Poland and abroad. In addition to Beethoven's works, the performances will include compositions by Brahms, Bacewicz, Dvořák, Puccini, Debussy, Kilar, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Prokofiev. Admission to all concerts is free.