Around 800 residents of Bolesławiec take part in artistic studios at BOK-MCC. The extensive program is aimed at adults, young people and children. Many musically talented people can try their hand and develop their talents in the studios led by bandmaster Jan Chojnacki, guitarist Mirosław Kuc or under the guidance of musician and conductor Aleksander Samostrokov.
Municipal Wind Orchestra “Bolesławiec”
Every municipal celebration and many important events in Bolesławiec take place with the participation of the Municipal Wind Orchestra. The orchestra’s bandmaster is Jan Chojnacki. He has headed the orchestra since 1997. “We play not only at municipal events,” says the bandmaster. “But also at festivals, weddings, christenings, corporate ceremonies and during national holidays. In May, we are going to the International Mining Tournament organized by Surmin-Kaolin,” adds Jan Chojnacki.
The Municipal Wind Orchestra “Bolesławiec” has its own repertoire. During state ceremonies, the musicians play a general’s march and patriotic songs, while at municipal events such as the Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival, they perform popular music. “The latest medley of songs we are now rehearsing is called ‘Mexican Trumpets,’” says Chojnacki. “It is a set of five pieces, including one in cha-cha rhythms. The Municipal Wind Orchestra invites both young people and adults to free classes. Orchestra rehearsals take place in the BOK-MCC music studio every Tuesday and Friday (4:30–7:00 p.m.).
Mirosław Kuc’s Guitar Studio
A new BOK-MCC studio began operating in February 2013. Anyone interested can learn the art of playing classical, acoustic and electric guitar—regardless of age or skill level. The instructor is Mirosław Kuc.
Mirosław Kuc is a guitarist with many years of stage and teaching experience. He was an instructor at the “Blues nad Bobrem” music workshops, as well as the founder and teacher of a guitar school that he ran for many years in Italy. In 2012, he organized the first edition of the Italian festival “Guitar Guinness Record – Hey Joe,” which was linked via satellite to Leszek Cichoński’s Polish festival in Wrocław. Mirosław Kuc’s method of teaching guitar is based on the approach of one of the most distinguished contemporary jazz guitarists, John McLaughlin, called “in the line and on the horizon.” During the classes, participants learn to play electric, acoustic and classical guitar. Classes take place every Monday (3:00–7:00 p.m.) and Tuesday (2:00–4:00 p.m.).
Cantate Deo Choir for Adults
The Cantate Deo choir operates at the Bolesławiec Cultural Center–International Ceramics Center (Latin: sing to God). It is led by the distinguished conductor Aleksander Samostrokov. Classes have been held since September 2011. Around 30 people sing in Cantate Deo. “Women predominate in the choir,” says Samostrokov. “Among other performances, the choir appeared alongside Spirituals Singers Band in the Christmas carol and pastorale concert ‘The Nativity,’ held at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Cantate Deo’s repertoire is dominated by Christmas carols and religious songs. “We will also present Renaissance music, gospel and works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries,” the conductor lists. The choir has prepared works from Stefan Stuligrosz’s “Glorious Polish Mass,” Jacek Gałuszka’s “Regnavit Dominus” and works by George Frideric Handel. Cantate Deo’s performance enhanced, among other events, a Mass held on Holy Saturday at the Bolesławiec Marian Basilica. Choir rehearsals take place in the BOK-MCC conference room (second floor) on Monday (7:30–9:30 p.m.), Wednesday (7:15–9:15 p.m.) and Thursday (7:15–9:15 p.m.).
(commissioned information)