The Zabrze Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra began its activities in the spring of 1950. The Society of Miners’ Philharmonic Enthusiasts was established at that time, tasked with ensuring the financial viability of the newly established orchestra.
It is worth noting that one of the ensemble’s founders was the distinguished composer, arranger, pianist, and conductor Edward Czerny. That same year, in October, the inaugural concert of the ensemble, known as the Miners’ Philharmonic, took place.
At that time, the Philharmonic’s mission included, among other things, giving free concerts to miners, steelworkers, and cooperative members—the so-called working class—to raise musical awareness among the working class, and to „prove that a miner can not only mine coal but also be an artistic musician.” And indeed, the orchestra’s members not only played in the ensemble but also worked at various establishments—particularly mines.
The hard work of the entire ensemble soon resulted in their first success. In 1951, the Zabrze Philharmonic won first prize at the Polish Music Festival held at the National Theatre in Warsaw. In 1953, the Miners’ Trade Union assumed full patronage of the ensemble, and the orchestra began participating in all important state, cultural, and social events. A second core area of the Philharmonic’s activity quickly developed, one that remains particularly nurtured to this day. The orchestra was one of the first in the country to begin holding regular concerts, with programs specifically designed for children and young people.
The orchestra’s early years were primarily devoted to presentations of lighter genres—opera, operetta, popular music, and popular classical pieces. Over time, the ensemble’s profile began to shift toward philharmonic-style programs, a style the orchestra now represents with a highly professional touch. This is evidenced by the concert programs and, above all, the names of domestic and international artists.
The musicians’ immense work and its results were recognized by the authorities in the mid-1980s. The title „Mining Philharmonic” disappeared—instead, the ensemble was renamed the State Philharmonic, a sign of recognition for its achievements.
During the several decades of the Orchestra’s activity, it has been accompanied by the most outstanding artists from Poland and abroad: Wiesław Ochman, Andrzej Hiolski, Zdzisława Donat, Grażyna Brodzińska, Bogna Sokorska, Paulos Raptis, Bernard Ładysz, Romuald Tesarowicz, Piotr Paleczny, Krystian Zimermann, Krzysztof Jabłoński, Waldemar Malicki, Halina Czerny-Stefańska, Małgorzata Walewska, Ryszard Karczykowski, Aleksandra Kurzak, Mariusz Kwiecień, Piotr Beczała, Gary Guthman, Alto Noras, Konstanty Andrzej Kulka, Krzysztof Jakowicz, Bartłomiej Nizioł, Wanda Wiłkomirska, Kaja Danczowska, Grzegorz Fitelberg, Karol Stryja, Jerzy Katlewicz, Wojciech Michniewski, Jerzy Salwarowski, Marek Pijarowski, Laszlo Baranyay /Hungary/, Iyrkki Myllarinen. /Finland/, Tsung Yeh, Adam Rosenbloom. ,Takako Takahashi, Shiro Hatae/Japan/,Ernest Werner Seiler, Benno Schollum/Austria/, Marco Capelli, Ciro di Giovanni/Italy/, Tai Wai Li/China/, Ivan Ivanov, Kaludi Kałudov, Bozydar Nikolov/Bulgaria/,Galina Wernygora /Ukraine/, Eugen Indjic and many others.
In addition to performing on all major concert stages in Poland, the Zabrze Philharmonic Orchestra has performed several times in Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and even Japan.
It has participated in international festivals, including „Gaude Mater” in Częstochowa, „Viva il Canto” in Cieszyn, the European Jan Kiepura Festival in Krynica, the Krystyna Jamroz Festival in Busko-Zdrój, the Silesian Composers’ Rostrum in Katowice, the Stars Festival in Międzyzdroje, „Silesia-Pradziad” in Kędzierzyn, and others. The ensemble regularly participates in the Michał Spisak International Music Competition in Dąbrowa Górnicza as a competition orchestra.
The orchestra has recorded several CDs and a number of programs for TVP featuring some of Poland’s most distinguished artists.
The Zabrze Philharmonic has previously been honored with awards including the Cultural Award of the Mayor of Zabrze, the Golden Laurel of Abilities, the „Leader of the Promotion of Polish Culture” Award from the global „Health, Mind, Heart” Foundation (the second orchestra after the National Philharmonic), the „Ambassador of Zabrze” award, and the „Meritorious for the Silesian Voivodeship” gold badge.
The orchestra’s repertoire favors works from the Classical and Romantic periods, but we also readily embrace contemporary works, particularly those by composers of the Silesian School. Regular performances of operas and operettas are presented. Our repertoire includes several diverse programs featuring popular music, film music, jazz, musicals, Dixieland, and popular music.
During the artistic season, the ensemble prepares approximately 20 symphonic programs, 5 oratorios, several entertainment pieces, and 10 separate programs as part of a cyclical program for children and youth. We currently perform on average 10 times a month at the orchestra’s headquarters and on stages across the country. We also enjoy participating in charity events.
The Zabrze Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra consists of 60 musicians, and since 2026. maestro Szymon Bywalec has been its General and Artistic Director