About us
The National Forum of Music in Wrocław is a state-of-the-art concert venue, which is the seat of the performing arts organisation established in 2014 after the merger of the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans and the Witold Lutosławski Philharmonic in Wrocław. One of the initiators of the creation of the National Forum of Music is Andrzej Kosendiak, currently serving as its director.
The National Forum of Music aims to promote active participation in cultural life among the inhabitants of Lower Silesia and people visiting Wrocław. The results of these intense activities are nine festivals, which each year invite the most outstanding Polish and international artists, the venue itself becoming a space for meetings of representatives of various artistic disciplines, not only music. The NFM is home to twelve resident ensembles: NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, Wrocław Baroque Orchestra, NFM Choir, NFM Boys’ Choir, Lutosławski Quartet, LutosAir Quintet, NFM Ensemble, NFM Leopoldinum String Trio, Polish Cello Quartet, Wrocław Baroque Ensemble, and West Side Sinfonietta. The National Forum of Music also conducts a wide recording activity (each year it releases numerous albums with varied programmes) as well as offering educational programmes meant for people from all age groups.
Wrocław’s National Forum of Music is of special prominence as one of the biggest venues of this kind in central Europe. It contains four concert halls – with the main hall seating 1800 people, and three chamber halls for 250–450 visitors. Each hall can present every kind of music – from classical, to jazz, to alternative and electronic. The state-of-the-art acoustics of the four concert halls were developed by Artec Consultants (Arup) Inc from New York. Special solutions such as construction breaks and vibroisolators allow listeners to fully focus on music, without interference of sounds or vibrations from outside. Canopies and acoustic chambers surrounding the main concert hall make it adaptable for various performance forces and music genres. The NFM venue was designed to please the eye and the ear. Music inspired the architects from Kuryłowicz & Associates Architecture Studio. The venue’s shape and the finishing of its façade bring to mind a string instrument, whereas the foyer’s black walls and white balconies were inspired by the piano keyboard. Apart from concert halls, the venue contains rehearsal rooms, conference and office rooms, exhibition spaces and a restaurant. This impressive building, located in the heart of Wrocław, inscribes itself into the city’s historic centre, in harmony with its architectural characteristics.
‘Wroclaw has one of the greatest European concert halls, a joy for us all to perform in. Lucky city! We hope to return frequently.’
Sir Simon Rattle, conductor
‘The National Forum of Music in Wrocław has an immediate warmth, which you feel in your body. I would love to do my recordings here’.
Iván Fischer, Founder and Music Director of the Budapest Festival Orchestra
‘A jewel! The NFM is one of those rare halls that wants for nothing. It has in equal share warmth, clarity and an atmosphere that is truly inspiring’.
Nikolaj Znaider, violinist and conductor
‘It is one of the best concert halls in the world.’
Lang Lang, Pianist
‘A visit to Wrocław which does not include the NFM would be akin to going to Rome and skipping St Peter’s.’
Jonathan Sutherland,Bachtrack.com