Enjoy free open-air classical concerts in Poznań on 4 and 5 July as the Orkiestra Antraktowa Teatru Polskiego performs works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Holst in Starołęka and Park Rataje.
The start of the summer holidays is set to be accompanied by the sound of classical music as the Orkiestra Antraktowa Teatru Polskiego w Poznaniu returns with two free outdoor performances in Poznań.
Taking place on the first weekend of July, the concerts will transform neighbourhood green spaces into open-air concert venues, offering residents and visitors the chance to experience live orchestral music in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether you are a long-time classical music enthusiast or simply looking for a different way to spend a summer afternoon, these free performances promise an enjoyable cultural experience for audiences of all ages.
Conducted by Adam Domurat, the orchestra will perform a programme featuring three much-loved works from the British classical repertoire. The concerts form part of the city’s summer cultural programme, bringing high-quality performances beyond traditional concert halls and into the heart of local communities.
Concert Schedule
Friday 4 July 2026
5.00 pm
Fort Ia, Starołęka
Saturday 5 July 2026
5.00 pm
Park Rataje (by the fountain)
Admission to both concerts is free.
Programme
The orchestra will perform:
- Edward Elgar, Serenade for Strings, Op. 20
- Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis
- Gustav Holst, St Paul’s Suite
Each composition showcases a different aspect of British classical music. Elgar’s Serenade for Strings is admired for its graceful melodies and warm, lyrical character. Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis is widely recognised for its rich harmonies and atmospheric sound, while Holst’s lively St Paul’s Suite draws inspiration from traditional English folk melodies and brings the programme to an energetic conclusion.
Together, the three works create a varied and engaging programme that is well-suited to an outdoor summer concert, combining moments of quiet reflection with uplifting orchestral textures.
Music in Poznań’s Green Spaces
Open-air concerts have become an increasingly popular part of Poznań’s summer cultural calendar, encouraging people to enjoy high-quality performances in parks and public spaces across the city. By taking music beyond traditional venues, these events make classical concerts more approachable and allow audiences to experience them in an informal atmosphere.
Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket or folding chair, relax with family and friends and enjoy the performances surrounded by nature. The concerts also provide an opportunity to explore different parts of the city while experiencing culture in a unique setting.
The concerts highlight two distinctive areas of the city. Fort Ia on Starołęka offers a unique historical backdrop, while Park Rataje provides an attractive green setting in one of Poznań’s most popular residential districts. Both venues offer an opportunity to combine live music with a summer stroll. Hosting performances in these neighbourhoods helps bring cultural events closer to local communities while encouraging audiences to discover different corners of the city.
The organisers are inviting everyone, from the youngest music lovers to long-time concertgoers, as well as international visitors spending time in Poznań, to attend these special performances. With free admission and an accessible programme, the concerts offer an excellent opportunity to experience live orchestral music without the formality often associated with classical performances.
As the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events and cultural activities throughout the summer, these concerts provide a fitting way to begin the holiday season while celebrating the important role that music and public spaces play in bringing communities together.
Why It Matters
Poznań continues to invest in accessible cultural events that bring communities together beyond the city centre. Free performances like these allow audiences to experience professional live music in familiar local surroundings, making culture more inclusive while encouraging residents to explore different neighbourhoods across the city.
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