The First-Ever Staged Interpretation of St. Luke Passion by Krzysztof Penderecki
St. Luke Passion is a monumental vocal-instrumental work by Krzysztof Penderecki, composed in 1966 to mark the millennium of Poland’s Christianization. The piece is based on texts from the Gospel of St. Luke, as well as excerpts from liturgical texts and Latin Passion hymns.
The work masterfully combines modern compositional techniques — such as sonorism — with the traditional form of the Baroque passion. It is distinguished by its powerful emotional charge, dramatic intensity, and unique sound. Traditionally performed in concert form, it features a large cast: three soloists, a narrator, a boys’ choir, three mixed choirs, and an expanded orchestra. Its premiere took place on March 30, 1966, at the cathedral in Münster, Germany, and brought Penderecki international acclaim, securing his place among the most important composers of the 20th century.
Fulfilling the vision and long-held dream of Baltic Opera Festival Artistic Director Tomasz Konieczny, this extraordinary work will be presented for the first time in the space of the Forest Opera in Sopot — not merely as a concert, but as a performative oratorio enhanced by a scenic staging.
