Ślōnskie gołymbie. Silesian tale of love, work, and a miracle

A chamber opera with comedic and dramatic elements Co-produced with Polish History Museum, Warsaw and Silesian Opera, Bytom World Premiere: 4 March 2027 Poland’s linguistic richness is not always reflected in its musical output. In the 2024/25 season, the Polish National Opera mounted Wòlô Bòskô , a performance sung in Kashubian, based on the region’s folk tales. This production draws on Silesian language and folklore. It also tells a dramatic love story, yet one with a happy ending. Ślōnskie gołymbie is an intimate musical project that tells the story of Milka and Wiluś, a couple who must fight for their love. Milka is a beautiful and vivacious young woman who falls in love with Wiluś at first sight. The feeling is requite, yet the lovers are separated by the girl's strict father. Hopke guards his daughter with his life and objects to her marrying a poor miner. He is waiting for a more eligible candidate. Watching and commenting from the sidelines are nosy neighbours. Although caustic, they root for the young couple. Unexpected aid comes from Ponboczek, who helps the young couple get married. The story fuses humour, accounts of the protagonists’ dramatic lives, local history, and Upper Silesian songs, forming a universal parable about love. The events unfold briskly, taking the audience through the couple’s subsequent life stages: infatuation, despair, hope, and the final celebration of life, which is not devoid of anguish. The Silesian singspiel about deep love, determination, the value of hard work, and acts of providence was created by composer Łukasz Godyla, with Anna Hop writing the script, selecting the songs, and directing the production. Hop is an established choreographer known for pieces that set old-time tales in contemporary contexts, employing an elaborate, visually appealing theatrical language. The production is a continuation of a concept by Waldemar Dąbrowski, who initiated Wolô Boskô.