This is how the members of the ŚPIEWKA folk ensemble from Kruszyn began their carol performance. That was last year. The sung Nativity play was prepared by Józef Janusz, and people enjoyed this caroling ritual very much. The ensemble performed it in the hall of the Cultural Centre, in schools, and at the Youth Cultural Centre in Bolesławiec.
Christmas carols are sung around Christmas and for a little while afterwards. During the rest of the year, the ensemble sings folk songs—some even in parts, such as “Po nocnej rosie” by St. Moniuszko and “Na wójtowej roli.” They also sing other songs, mostly cheerful ones, with lyrics written by Franciszek Smoleń and Józef Janusz. Romuald Kardzis, the instructor, arranger and accompanist all in one, writes the music.
I asked Romuald for some information about the ensemble: how long it has existed, which events he considers significant, what problems it has, and so on.
—The ensemble was formed more than 10 years ago, and was initially led by Filip Zielonka. I have been working with the ensemble since mid-1983. At one time, the ensemble had 28 members, including a ballet group. An important event for the ensemble was its participation in the Review of Folk Ensembles in Kielce in 1985. At that time, for the performance “Lower Silesian Harvest Festival Ritual,” the Kruszyn ensemble was among the six ensembles to receive distinctions. Over the past 10 years, the ensemble has performed extensively at harvest festivals, during “Bolesławiec Spring,” at the municipalities’ tournament and on many other occasions. The ensemble currently has 16 members, including five men. The ensemble only sings—the ballet group no longer exists because there is no choreographer; besides, young girls are not particularly eager to dance folk dances.
The ensemble operates at the Municipal Cultural Centre, which recently has had reduced funds for paying, for example, for the ensemble’s bus or for other needs related to its operation. We are concerned by inactivity, the lack of performances and the lack of interest in folklore. A manager, a sponsor and some promotion would be useful.
Irena and Józef Bytnarowie are actively involved in the ensemble, as is Stanisława Stopyra, who takes care of the costumes. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank these people and all the members for their perseverance, ambition and discipline.