Established in 1954 and operating under its current name since 1991, the Mieczysław Karłowicz State Music School Complex is the largest institution for arts education in Kraków. It plays an active role in the city’s cultural life, with its ensembles – including the choir and symphony orchestra Krakowska Młoda Filharmonia, wind orchestra, jazz ensemble Jazz Zeppelin, and various chamber groups – widely recognised within the local community.
The school collaborates with other educational institutions, cultural centres and local authorities in Kraków, and maintains international exchange programmes with partner schools in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Ukraine. It regularly hosts workshops, seminars and competitions, including the International Young Violinists’ Competition I Will Be a Virtuoso („Będę Wirtuozem”), the National Mieczysław Karłowicz Vocal Competition, the National Sight-Singing Competition, and the Regional Aural Skills Test.
Since 1986, the school has run a pioneering jazz education programme, whose alumni include prominent figures on the Polish jazz scene. In 1993, a professional recording studio was established on site, enabling students to study sound engineering and production techniques.
The Symphony Orchestra of the Mieczysław Karłowicz State Music School Complex in Kraków operates within an innovative educational programme developed by Tomasz Chmiel. Known as the Educational Experiment, the initiative increases the number of orchestral hours in the curriculum, supporting pupils’ musical and social development, enabling them to engage with a wide repertoire, and fostering a deep commitment to ensemble performance. Thanks to its high artistic standards, the orchestra performs not only at the school, but also on major stages in Poland and abroad.
The ensemble collaborates with the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków and a wide range of institutions, including the Kraków Opera, the Kraków Philharmonic, the Polish-Chinese Chopin Foundation, and numerous cultural centres. It has appeared at the Grand Theatre – Polish National Opera, the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Polish Radio’s Concert Studio, and the Szczecin and Częstochowa Philharmonics, as well as in Germany, France, Austria and China. It has also collaborated with choirs from across Europe, including The Trumpet of the Lord Choir , the Kraków Philharmonic Choir, and Dominanta Choir.
Highlights include the 1992 premiere of The Vespers of Ludźmierz, first prize at the 2013 National Competition of School Orchestras, and a 2018 concert tour of China. The orchestra also gave the world premiere of the complete cycle of 22 songs by Karłowicz, arranged for orchestra, choir and soloists. It has released several CDs and DVDs featuring original arrangements and live recordings.
Krakowska Młoda Filharmonia is a regular presence at festivals such as Cracovia Sacra, La Folle Journée de Varsovie, the Jan Kiepura Festival, and Nowa Huta. Why Not? Known for its energy and passion, the ensemble plays a vital role in shaping the artistic development of young musicians.
Regularnie bierze udział w festiwalach: Cracovia Sacra, Szalone Dni Muzyki, Festiwal im. J. Kiepury, Nowa Huta, dlaczego nie. Działa z pasją i energią, inspirując młodych muzyków do artystycznego rozwoju.