It’s pop music —
but from 300 years ago.

Since 2018, I have been developing All’improvviso — the International Early Music Festival in Gliwice, which for almost twenty years has been one of Poland’s leading events dedicated to early music. Today, it is a year-round series built on international cooperation and intriguing programmes — from chamber music to fully staged opera productions.

Music in a ruin?

At the heart of the festival, and inseparable from its identity, are the Ruins of the Victoria Theatre in Gliwice — a place with a dramatic history, marked by the complex past of the region. They are the remains of a theatre burned down by Red Army soldiers in 1945, when Gliwice was still the German city of Gleiwitz. The raw space creates a singular atmosphere, inspires exceptional productions and takes the breath away from everyone who encounters it for the first time.

Co-productions, premieres and shared projects

Co-productions are one of the pillars of the festival’s development. They bring together the experience and resources of partners from different countries, make premieres possible and enable projects that would be difficult to create alone. I see every programme not only as an artistic event, but also as the beginning of a longer collaboration. The festival is also a platform for initiating new ventures that connect Polish and international artists.

European cooperation

All’improvviso is a member of REMA — European Early Music Network, and participates in EFFEA — European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists — and Sustainable Emerging European Ensembles. Through these partnerships, we support artists’ development, create international co-productions and build lasting relationships with festivals and institutions across Europe, while promoting Gliwice and the Upper Silesian region.