History:

History of the Wieniawa Orchestra The history of the Wieniawa Orchestra from Raciborowice goes back to 1994, when the Parish Priest in Raciborowice (Michałowice Commune North of Cracow), Father Stanisław Migas founded the Parish Youth Orchestra, and the first conductor became Józef Ciuruś (at the time the band was repeatedly supported by the”Hejnał” Wind Orchestra from Więcławice). In 2003 the orchestra was transformed into a youth wind orchestra, under the Patronage of the Michałowice Commune. The orchestra management board was formed with Jarosław Ignaszak as the new conductor. The orchestra started developing dynamically – increasing in both the number of members as well as performances. Picture gallery

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Its spectacular success began in 2006 when Wieniawa represented the district of Cracow at the days of Munich District in Germany. The orchestra also took first place in the Małopolska Wind Orchestra Competition in Więcławice and in subsequent years has repeatedly affirmed its high level in this competition - first place in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2007, there were special concerts in Finland under the "Leader +" Programme. The year 2009 was a jubilee year – Wieniawa celebrated 15 years of activity. The main events included recording the first album on CD by the orchestra and a Jubilee Concert accompanying Zbigniew Wodecki (a well-known artist in Poland). In 2010 the orchestra was second at the Munich Festival of Orchestras. In the same year, the Association of Cultural Initiatives “Wieniawa” was founded, which allowed for action on an even larger scale, and the orchestra could also develop its facilities. Since then, the orchestra changed its name to the Wieniawa Orchestra from Raciborowice.

The year 2011 was full of concerts. In Ireland, among others: a concert for a delegation of 14 countries in Listowell, concerts in Mosciano St. Angelo, and Paliano in Italy. At the end of the year concerts took place again in Paliano this time with Christmas carols, and the participation of Polish vocalists: Ewa Uryga and Ewa Warta Śmietana , among others. In the Vatican Wieniawa performed at the Paul VI Audience Hall in front of Pope Benedict XVI and the unique setting of a Mass (which is celebrated only a few times a year) celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri at the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica. It should be noted that it was the first concert band in the history of the Vatican to have appeared in this special place. The Orchestra also performed in front of the President of the Republic of Poland at the Tischner European University in Cracow. In August 2012 the orchestra had the honour of performing together with Alicja Majewska and Włodzimierz Korcz during the Freedom Picnic in Michałowice with specially prepared arrangements of the songs.
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Since its inception, the orchestra, is formed not only by musicians, but by all who support it - the family members of the musicians, friends and parishioners. Invaluable partners are: the Michałowice Commune, the Parish of St. Margaret in Raciborowice, the Center for Culture and Promotion in Michałowice, the Crown of Northern Cracow Association and the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Raciborowice. It is through joint efforts and hard work that Wieniawa Orchestra has become successful, and through its plans and ambitions aim even higher. Due to its rich repertoire (it performs: pop, film, big band, as well as classical, sacred and march music) and organisational and logistical capabilities, it is able to honour through its performance various celebrations and events. Picture gallery

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The Orchestra's Logo The orchestra’s logo was designed in such a way so as to combine tradition and cultural heritage with dynamism and modernity. The modern style of the logo symbolises youth, dynamism, enthusiasm and an innovative approach to music and orchestra management. On the other hand, there is a very important aspect for the whole orchestra - a reference to tradition and a direct connection to the crest of Jan Dlugosz. Through this canon, a Gothic Church in Raciborowice was founded, hence, in order to preserve tradition, the orchestra graces many feasts in the parish with its presence. In addition, the orchestra is formed by unique people and their family and friendly relations have affected - and still affect - the spirit of cooperation and contribute to success. Thanks to the commitment of the conductor, everyone has the conditions for the professional development of their own technique of playing instruments, and the development of entrepreneurship and self-governance. Wieniawa is not only an Orchestra (currently numbering over 50 people - primarily pupils and students from Krakow), but also an exemplary cultural organisation, where the involvement of each member counts. All this makes Wieniawa a jewel in the Malopolska cultural scene logo Picture gallery

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