Pawelan Hall in Pabianice
“The Haunted Manor” by Stanisław Moniuszko
The first opera premiere in Pabianice
Date and venue
November 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM
Pawelan Hall, Pabianice
November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM
Pawelan Hall, Pabianice
On November 11, 2025, on the anniversary of Poland’s regaining independence, a unique event will take place at Pawelan Hall in Pabianice – the first opera premiere in the history of the city.
A historic event in the heart of the Łódź Voivodeship
Stanisław Moniuszko – the father of Polish national opera
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819–1872) – composer, conductor, and teacher – laid the foundation for Polish national opera. His works echo Polish folk songs, convey patriotic messages, and are deeply rooted in tradition.
The premiere of The Haunted Manor took place on September 28, 1865, in Warsaw, but after only three performances, it was banned by the Tsarist censorship, as it too clearly expressed the spirit of national pride and belief in Poland’s revival. On stage, The Haunted Manor by Stanisław Moniuszko will be performed – a timeless work in which tradition, music, and national values come together in an unforgettable experience. This project carries immense artistic and social significance, promoting Pabianice and the Łódź Voivodeship as places open to culture of the highest caliber.
”Do you know the land where people both weep and sing?
Stanisław Moniuszko
Libretto and Characters
The libretto was written by Jan Chęciński, blending elements of social comedy with a work of profound patriotic message.
Two brothers – Stefan and Zbigniew – return from war and, to remain faithful to their country, swear an oath of eternal bachelorhood. They vow to avoid love and dedicate their lives to serving the nation. However, they arrive at Miecznik’s manor and meet his daughters – Hanna and Jadwiga. Their feelings are put to the test: a love develops between the characters, creating an inner conflict between personal happiness and duty to the homeland.
The story also features a colorful gallery of secondary characters: the cunning dandy Damazy, who tries to win one of the daughters, the dignified Cześnikowa, the boisterous Maciej, and the amusing servant Skołuba. Together, they create a portrait of Polish noble life full of humor and emotion.
The historical message of the work is clear: the strength of family, honor, and love for one’s country are values more enduring than wars and divisions. Moniuszko’s opera, performed on Independence Day, becomes a living lesson in history and national identity.
Join us on November 11, 2025, and celebrate Independence Day to the rhythm of the most beautiful Polish opera!
Creators and Artists
Producer: MikulskiART Foundation
Co-organizers: Zbigniew Herbert Municipal Cultural Center in Pabianice, Fabryka Wełny Hotel
Music Director and Conductor: Prof. Dariusz Mikulski, PhD, Habil.
Director: Anna Długołęcka
Orchestra: Sinfonia Masovia
Choirs: “Harmonia” , “Voxellence” (prepared by Kamil Gruszczyński) and Chór Męski „Lutnia” w Warcie (prepared by Prof. Dawid Ber)
Ballet: Harnam Folk Dance Ensemble named after Jadwiga Hryniewiecka
Choreographic coordination: Wiesław Dudek
Cast of Soloists:
Hanna – Marta Ustyniak-Babińska / Paulina Gocałek / Aleksandra Resztik
Jadwiga – Aleksandra Gudzio
Cześnikowa – Ewa Banasiak
Stefan – Arnold Rutkowski
Zbigniew – Franciszek Gryglewski / Piotr Bujnowski
Miecznik – Adam Woźniak
Damazy – Bartłomiej Szczeszek / Paweł Piękoś
Skołuba – Damian Konieczek
Maciej – Jacek Jaskuła
Event gallery – 2025
Honorary Patronage
• Maciej Wróbel – Deputy Minister of Culture and National Heritage
• Krzysztof Habura – Member of the Polish Parliament
• Joanna Skrzydlewska – Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship
• Grzegorz Mackiewicz – Mayor of Pabianice
Sponsors
Partners
Media Patronage
Modern Format and Wide Accessibility
The performance will be produced using modern opera-television technology. The live broadcast will be made freely available to Cultural Centers across the Łódź Voivodeship and many other institutions throughout Poland. This will allow audiences from Piotrków Trybunalski, Radomsko, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Zduńska Wola, Wieluń, Zelów, Kalisz, and Wieruszów to participate in the event. It is estimated that tens of thousands of viewers will watch the broadcast – a significant promotion for the city of Pabianice and the entire region.
Why You Should See The Haunted Manor in Pabianice
- The first opera premiere in the city’s history
- Moniuszko’s masterpiece presented in a modern, multimedia format
- Outstanding cast of soloists from Poland’s top stages
- An event with a unique patriotic character
- A rare opportunity to take part in a project that bridges tradition and the future
Buy your ticket and be part of history!
Seating at Pawelan Hall is limited. Don’t wait – reserve your ticket today and experience an evening full of music, emotion, and national pride.
Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund under the “Music” program, implemented by the National Institute of Music and Dance.
Funding Information for the Project from the Culture Promotion Fund under the “Music” Program: St. Moniuszko’s “The Haunted Manor” – First Opera Premiere in Pabianice
- Total project value: 184,830.00 PLN
- Co-financing from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MKiDN): 100,000.00 PLN
- Date of signing the financing agreement: September 4, 2025
Stanisław Moniuszko’s “The Haunted Manor” – an innovative project combining classical opera with modern technology – will be led by Dariusz Mikulski with the Sinfonia Masovia Orchestra. Directed by Anna Długołęcka, the performance will feature outstanding artists – soloists from Poland’s top opera stages.
