Polish Painting of the 21st Century

Explore the most contemporary offerings of Polish painting at this exciting exhubition at the at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art. Works by over sixty artists of varying ages and backgrounds explore, amongst other things, the changing status of painting and the painter in today's society. Well worth checking out. Tickets are 10 PLN or 7 PLN for concessions, and the Gallery is open Tuesdays to Sundays 12:00-20:00.

when - 16th of December 2006 until 25th of February 2007
where - Zacheta National Gallery of Art, pl. Malachowskiego 3
more info - click here

Jozef Korolkiewicz Exhibition

The works of the youngest pupil of Wojciech Kossak, Jozef Korolkiewicz (1902-1988), go on display at the Museum of Hunting and Horsemanship in Lazienki. Expect plenty of romantic rural depictions in oils, gouaches and drawings.

when - 10th December 2006 until 25th March 2007
where - Museum of Hunting and Horseriding, ul. Szwolezerow
more info - click here

Jan Bulhak Photography Exhibition

Jan Bulhak is one of the most influential Polish photographers of all time. Born in 1876 he was most active in the interwar period of the 20th Century. During this time he lectured on photography at the University of Wilno (Once a Polish city, Wilno is now Vilnius the capital of Lithuania). He also founded and presided over the prestigious Wilno Photo-Club. Find out why he is considered a master of his artform this February in the National Museum.

when - 14th December 2006 until 11th February 2007
where - National Museum, Al. Jerozolimskie 3
more info - click here

Premiere of 'Yvonne, Princess of Burgundy' Opera

A new production of Witold Gombrowicz's Opera 'Yvonne, Princess of Burgundy' premieres at the start of February at the Teatr Wielki. A tragi-comedy, the opera tells the story of a Prince who tries to defy nature by marrying a repulsive and listless bride - Yvonne. The consequences are both funny and macabre! The opera is in Polish, although English speakers will still appreciate the musical and dramatic aspects of the performance.

when - 1st and 2nd February 2007
where - Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1
more info - click here

Secret Garden Photo Exhibition

There's still time in February to drop in on Natalia Wiacek's photography exhibition, entitled 'Secret Garden'. Flowers are the theme and you can see them in captured on camera at the Luksfera Gallery. Pop in 14:00-19:00 weekdays, 11:00-17:00 weekends.

when - 11th January until 11th February 2007
where - Galeria Luksfera, ul. Zabkowska
more info - click here

Wilkon's Ark - Exhibition

Jozef Wilkon is best known for his work as an illustrator, however from the mid 90’s onwards the artist became interested in painting and sculpture and developed his considerable talents along those lines. A diverse selection of Wilkon's work will be on display at the National Gallery of Art until early February, including the title piece 'The Ark', which was commissioned especially for this exhibition.

when - 9th December 2006 until 11th February 2007
where - Zacheta National Gallery of Art, pl. Malachowskiego 3
more info - click here

"Transfer"

The Wspolczeny Teatre would like to present "Transfer," a play by Maksym Kuroczkin about a young businessman who receives an invitation to visit his father. There would be nothing unusual about this, except for one fact: his father is dead. "Transfer" is a fast-paced fantasy of a play, with action, visual effects, and superb acting. The play lasts two hours and has one intermission.

when - 31 January and 1 February 2007, 19:00
where - Teatr Wspolczesny, ul. Mokotowska 13
more info - click here

"Arabian Night" Premier

The Montownia Artistic Centre is premiering its production of "Arabian Night," directed by Katarzyna Raduszynska. This story of love, destiny, and death and the joining of Arabian and European cultures is unfortunately told in Polish, but for those fluent - or if you want an entertaining Polish lesson - we highly recommend it.

when - 2 February 2007, 20:00
where - Centrum Artystyczne Montownia, ul. Konopnickiej 6
more info - click here

Uz Jsme Doma (Czech Republic)

Uz Jsme Doma are one of the most well-known representatives of the Czech musical avant-garde. After 20 years, they now have toured and sold records all over the world, and performed over 1,000 concerts under their collective belts. Musically, they fit somewhere between the Sex Pistols and the Residents, though they must have done quite a bit fewer drugs than the former two to still be around after so long! Tickets are 12 PLN if reserved early by e-mail, 15 PLN at the door.

when - 7 February 2007, 20:00
where - Aurora, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Shisha Night

Shisha Night, a carnival-style party of Arabian and Indian music, presents its third installment this February. The whole evening will be spent grooving to the rhythms of tribal and belly dancing music, including a special show of belly dancers, henna tattoos, and water pipes. Tickets are 10 PLN for students of the Riviera Dance School and their guests, and 17 PLN for everyone else.

when - 8 February 2007, 21:00
where - Klub Bazaar, ul. Polna 13
more info - click here

Longital Concert

Hailing from Slovakia, Longital will once again storm Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna's stage. The band has played all over Central Europe, and even the UK, Moscow, Finland, Ireland, and several festivals all over Europe. The electroacoustic indie duo has their own label and consists of bass, guitar played with a bow, and electronic blips and beeps, all under alluring vocals.

when - 8 February 2007, 20:30
where - Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Jan Krenz conducts Mozart

Classical musical lovers pay heed. Jan Krenz is all set to return to the National Opera after an absence of many years to present his interpretation of two masterpieces by Mozart: the Coronation Mass in C Major, and the Symphony in G Minor. The fun starts at 19:00 in the Moniuszko Auditorium of the Grand Theatre.

when - 9th February 2007
where - Teatr Wielki, Plac Teatralny 1
more info - click here

Skandal at M25 - Party

Here's a right royal mash-up for anyone interested in the hardcore sounds of jungle, drum'n'bass and breakbeat. DJs with names like Dr. Black and Clapham South (big up the London massif!) will keep punters entertained all night with some relentless beats. Scandalously cheap at just 10 PLN per person.

when - 10th February 2007
where - M25, ul. Minska 25
more info - click here

Lee 'Scratch' Perry in Concert

Klub Proxima play host to legendary Jamaican dub and reggae star, Lee 'Scratch' Perry this February, whose appearance in the capital is sure to please his large base of Polish fans. Born Rainford Hugh Perry, Lee has enjoyed a tumultous career stretching back from the 1950s and continuing to present day - with the odd studio burning down and Grammy along the way. Now could be an excellent time to catch the seventy year old as well-deserved retirement can't be too far off! Tickets 75 PLN in advance, or 85 PLN on the day. Starts at 20:00.

when - 11th February 2007
where - Klub Proxima, ul. Zwirki i Wigury 99a
more info - click here

Budyn Concert

"Budyn" is the solo project of Jacek Szymkiewicz, the singer and guitarist of Polish alternative band Pogodno. The electronic music of Budyn joins elements of alternative rock, classic rock'n'roll, and hip hop with poetic lyrics by Szymkiewicz. Entrance is 12 PLN.

when - 11 February 2007, 20:00
where - Aurora, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Russian Army Choir and Ballet

Go and see what happens when military precision is introduced into the expressive world of song and dance. The Russian Army Choir and Ballet descend on Warsaw for one night only at the Roma Theatre. Tickets range in price from 50 to 110 PLN.

when - 12th February 2007
where - Teatr Roma, ul. Nowogrodzka 49
more info - click here

Indie Sounds Night

Wroclaw's famous Indie Sounds Night is hitting Warsaw's Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna for one night! If the names Arctic Moneys, Kaiser Chiefs, Interpol, She Wants Revenge, and Wolf Parade ring a bell, you'll feel right at home at Jadlodajnia's dance floor on Friday. If not, go back to listening to RMF FM, we don't want you there anyway.

when - 16 February 2007, 21:00
where - Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Polish Theatre in English

The Montownia Artistic Space, in co-operation with The Globe Theatre, is to stage two performances of 'The Party' by Slawomir Mrozek - in English! Mrozek is a renowned playwright and short story teller whose plays have been performed around the world, whilst the Montownia Artistic Space has forged a reputation for itself as the home of one of the foremost theatre groups in the country. All in all then this is a must see for any ex-pats and tourists even remotely interested in Polish theatre, especially as the chance to catch such drama in the Queen's tongue is as rare as the proverbial blue moon. 'The Party' will be performed on the 17th and 18th of February starting at 18:00, and will be followed both nights by equally compelling performances of 'Mother Again', a drama based on the work of the legendary Witkiewicz. The latter starts at 19:30. Contact rezerwacje@montownia.art.pl or 022 3390760 for advance tickets.

when - 17th and 18th February 2007
where - Montownia Artistic Space, Konopnicka Street 6
more info - click here

"A Passionate Woman" Play

A play by Kay Mellor and directed by Maciej Englert, the comedic-lyric play takes place on the periphery of Leeds, where the Derbyshire family prepares for their only son's wedding. But an hour before the wedding, his mother disappears, upsetting the day's delicate balance...

when - 17,18,20,21,22 February 2007, 19:15
where - Teatr Wspolczesny, ul. Mokotowska 13
more info - click here

Mariza in Concert

The celebrated Afro-Portugese singer Mariza is probably the world's leading light when it comes to 'fado', Portugal's very own take on the blues. A melancholy genre, fado incorporates emotions ranging from nostalgia, sadness and pain to happiness and love. Don't miss the chance to catch this unique sound in the Congress Hall of the Palace of Science and Culture. Tickets are a touch pricey, starting at 80 PLN, but music fans won't leave disappointed. The concert starts at 20:00.

when - 22nd February 2007
where - Sala Kongresowa, Palace of Science and Culture, pl. Defilad 1
more info - click here

Blackfield in Concert

Confused? Lonely? Sensitive? You're probably a Blackfield fan. These guys brand of rock - at times soft, at others building up to crescendos - definitely appeals to poetic types, and if that includes you then you should check out this up-and-coming band. Steve Wilson of the UK and Aviv Geffen of Israel are the members. Tickets are 90 PLN on the day, and doors open at 20:00.

when - 22nd February 2007
where - Klub Proxima, ul. Zwirki i Wigury 99a
more info - click here

Focused on Vogel Night - Party

Dig dance music? Then the place to be tonight is definitely M25, one of Warsaw's hottest and hippest new spaces. Cristian Vogel from Chile, with his latest partner in , Digital Princezz, will be presiding over proceedings. Expect a madcap event of electro, house and techno.

when - 24th February 2007
where - M25, ul. Minska 25
more info - click here

Graftmann Concert

Say hello to Poland's own answer to Conor Oberst. But don't get your razorblades out yet; while Grafty's music may not be the most cheerful, his lyrics are insightful and his melodies carefully weave together stories to compliment his words. His style is classic singer-songwriter, along the lines of Bright Eyes, Kevin Divine, or Nick Drake. Complimented only by guitar and the occasional harmonica, Graftmann's voice carries the show, from stories of penguins and sharks to the everyday complexities of human relations. Plus, his covers aren't to be missed - you'll never look at Ace of Base the same way...

when - 25 February 2007, 20:30
where - Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna, ul. Dobra 33/35
more info - click here

Kadabra

Kadabra will be bringing two nights of jazz & blues acoustic music to jazz club Tygmont. Composed of two guitarists, a double bass and subtle female vocals, Kadabra play the kind of smooth jazz you'd like to whisper sweet nothings to (or enjoy a nice beer too if that's more your thing). They promise dynamic jazz music flirting with the blues, or something for a refined ear to really enjoy.

when - 26 and 28 February 2007, 23:00
where - Tygmont, ul. Mazowiecka 6/8
more info - click here

Gaelforce Dance

Gaelforce Dance is coming straight from Ireland to bring a little Irish spirit and dance to the Polish audience. Called the "Ferrarri of Irish dance," the show returns to Poland this year for everyone who missed them the first time around in spring 2006, when tickets sold out for the ever-popular spectacle. The 2007 tour includes 22 shows in 14 Polish cities, including four shows in Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow among others, though the best party is sure to be on St. Patrick's Day in Gdansk. The musical, ballet, and play in one tells the story of two brothers who fall in love with the same woman, and in classic Irish style, is full of passion, jealousy, tragedy, and the occasional brawl to liven things up, all immersed in the energy of live Irish music and dance.

when - 27 February - 2 March 2007, 19:00
where - Congress Hall, Pl. Defilad 1
more info - click here

Okean Elzy Concert

Okean Elzy call themselves "the most popular band in the former USSR territory" - a bold statement, but one they will convince you of if you let them. This will be their first and only concert in Poland, so fans of good rock music shouldn't miss them. Polish indie rock band The Car is on Fire will be supporting Okean Elzy, so be sure to come early enough to catch them as well.

when - 28 February 2007, 20:00
where - Stodola, ul. Batorego 10
more info - click here