Those who are observant will have noticed that construction equipment appeared in Kościuszki Square today (23 January). We are lifting the veil of secrecy. Work has begun on the construction of the only stage of its kind for the centenary concert. On 10 February, Kościuszki Square will host a unique musical show – ‘It all started with the sea – 100th anniversary of Gdynia’ – created in collaboration between the Music Everywhere Choir and an orchestra conducted by Jan Stokłosa, featuring well-known artists from the Polish music scene and actors from the Musical Theatre. The Mayor of Gdynia, Aleksandra Kosiorek, invites everyone to the birthday musical event. Participation in the event is free of charge.
Such an evening happens once in a century. And it all started with the sea... The evening concert will be the highlight of the celebrations to be held on 10 February – the 100th anniversary of Gdynia being granted city rights. Therefore, the programme could not fail to include themes related to the birth of the city, which transformed from a seaside village into a modern port city and became a window to the world for a reborn Poland.
Behind me, a stage is already being built for this incredible centenary concert. It is a huge installation – modernist, maritime, contemporary, just like Gdynia itself. There has never been a stage like this in the history of our city – we are building one especially for this event, that is very characteristic of Gdynia, reflecting the character and architecture of the city. The concert ‘It all started with the sea – 100th anniversary of Gdynia’ will be performed by the Orchestra conducted by Jan Stokłosa and well-known and beloved artists. They will present new arrangements of Polish hits that refer to the spirit of the city. It will be a musical and visual story about the city. I would like to invite everyone to attend and remind you that on that day, public transport in Gdynia will be free of charge, says Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia.
(Photo: press materials)
Some of the greatest hits and songs referring to the character and history of Gdynia will be performed in new arrangements by Natalia Kukulska, Margaret, Natalia Szroeder, Andrzej Piaseczny, Tomasz Organek, Natalia Muianga, Wiktor Dyduła and Szczyl. They will be accompanied by the Music Everywhere Choir and orchestra conducted by Jan Stokłosa, as well as actors from the Musical Theatre, beloved by audiences across Poland: Maja Gadzińska, Karolina Trębacz and Krzysztof Wojciechowski.
We are preparing a show consisting of 17-18 songs. It will be a birthday concert, so it will definitely be fun and dynamic. There will be references to Gdynia, the sea and the film festival. I can reveal that we are starting with Kool & The Gang's ‘Celebration’, so it will also be international. We have a fairly large orchestra – 30 people – so you can expect a lot of energy, promised Jan Stokłosa, composer, arranger and conductor, during rehearsals at a recording studio in Warsaw.
The concert will also feature film footage specially prepared for the occasion, showing archival images, history and the contemporary face of Gdynia. There will be something for everyone here – from lovers of retro hits and Polish films to fans of Gdynia sports. Warm and joyful rhythms will lift the audience's spirits on this February evening.
Participation in the event is free of charge.
A unique concert on a unique stage
The stage will also be extraordinary, inspired by maritime heritage and Gdynia's modernism, an architectural style that distinguishes Gdynia from other European cities, making it an architectural jewel.
Public transport for the birthday concert
On the occasion of the city's 100th birthday, transport organised by the Gdynia Public Transport Authority (within the Gdynia fare zone) will be free of charge.
The event will be hosted by Paulina Sykut-Jeżyna and Tomasz Wolny.
The show is directed by Michał Bandurski and produced by Sebastian Mikołajczak.
The main media patron of the event is Telewizja Polsat.
The concert will be preceded by a grand artistic show, which will take place on the flagship street of 10 Lutego. It will start at 7 p.m.
Due to the organisation of the events, road traffic and public transport routes will be changed.
The events celebrating 10 February are held under the patronage of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Honorary patrons of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia: Pomeranian Voivode Beata Rutkiewicz, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Mieczysław Struk, Polish Tourist Organisation.