The ensemble was also the first one to receive a special distinction: the Prize of the Polish Choir and Orchestra Association - the Main Board in Warsaw for the best performance of a piece by a Polish composer. The piece for which the prize was awarded was “Water Song” by Bartosz Kowalski - a piece composed especially for the Choir of the Maritime University. Also the conductor craftsmanship of Sylwia Fabiańczyk-Makuch was appreciated as she was distinguished with a Special Prize of the Director of the Legnica Culture Centre.

As a part of the contest presentation, the ensemble performed an ambitious programme composed of e.g. pieces written by modern Polish composers, e.g. Paweł Łukaszewski and Miłosz Bembinow. During the performance, we experienced strong emotions. They make the transmission expressive and enchanting for the public - says Martyna, one of the choristers.

The Polish Choir Contest in Legnica is one of the oldest and most appreciate choir festivals in Poland. It was initiated by the deceased conductor Henryk Karliński. Participation in “Legnica Cantat” is not by chance - the choral ensembles have to undergo a previous selection and only the best ones enter the contest. Taking a top place in the contest is a proof of a high level of the choir and strengthens its significant position on the Polish choral stage.

The last week was a very hard-working one for the Choir of the Maritime University of Szczecin. On Friday, 26 May, the 80-people ensemble gave a performance on the stage of the Gorzów Philharmonic in a symphonic poem “Papusza’s Harp” composed by Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz. The composer himself was present during the concert and many times expressed his words of appreciations emphasising the professionalism and perfect preparation of the ensemble by the conductor. Already on Wednesday, together with Grupa MoCarta, the choristers will contribute to the gala of the 70th anniversary of Maritime Education, which will be held in the Szczecin Philharmonic.