The Grand Theatre – National Opera presents the world premiere of “Best City in the World: An Opera about Warsaw,” inspired by Grzegorz Piątek’s book.
Premiere Details
The opera, based on Grzegorz Piątek’s “Best City in the World: Warsaw in Reconstruction 1944–1949,” will premiere in September and October in the Moniuszko Hall. Tickets are available online.
This production opens the 68th “Warsaw Autumn” festival, with performances scheduled for September and October in the Moniuszko Hall. Tickets are available online.
Opera Overview
The opera, set in 16 scenes, features music by Cezary Duchnowski and a libretto by Beniamin M. Bukowski, inspired by Piątek’s book. It tells the post-war story of Warsaw through two protagonists: a modernist architect from the Capital Reconstruction Bureau (inspired by Helena Syrkus) and an American journalist (inspired by Anne Louise Strong). The libretto draws from authentic sources, including political speeches, urban jargon, and street language.
Production and Performance
The premiere took place on September 19, 2025, inaugurating the 68th International Festival of Contemporary Music “Warsaw Autumn.” The opera, commissioned by Sinfonia Varsovia with support from the City of Warsaw, is presented in its original Polish version with Polish and English subtitles. The production combines orchestral grandeur with modern electronics, featuring smoke, flashing lights, and explosion effects. The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes (Act I: 50 min, intermission: 30 min, Act II: 1 hour 5 min).
Cast and Crew
Leading roles are performed by Joanna Freszel (Journalist), Agata Zubel (Architect), and Filip Kosior (Guide). The conductor is Bassem Akiki. The creative team includes director Barbara Wiśniewska, scenographer Natalia Kitamikado, costume designer Emil Wysocki, choreographer Maćko Prusak, and dramaturg Marcin Cecko. Video projections are by Bartek Macias, and lighting design is by Aleksandr Prowaliński. Electronic parts and media programming are by Cezary Duchnowski and Marcin Rupociński. The co-producer is Sinfonia Varsovia.
Performance Schedule
Moniuszko Hall, Grand Theatre – National Opera (Warsaw):
– October 18, 2025 (Saturday), 7:00 PM,
– October 19, 2025 (Sunday), 6:00 PM.
