Residents and visitors are invited to experience an afternoon of music and local heritage as a free organ concert takes place at the Evangelical Augsburg Church of St Elisabeth Ludwika Wittelsbach in Chorzów on Sunday 26 July 2026.
Beginning at 5.00 P.M., the event brings together acclaimed organist Professor Julian Gembalski for a programme featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach alongside live improvisations performed on one of the region's most significant historic instruments.
A Performance On One of Upper Silesia's Historic Organs
The concert will be performed on the church's Volkmann organ, built in 1880 by organ builder Carl Volkmann. Regarded as one of the most valuable surviving historic organs in Upper Silesia, the instrument remains an important part of Chorzów's cultural and architectural heritage.
Professor Gembalski is widely recognised for his work preserving and promoting historic organs across the region. His performances combine technical excellence with a deep understanding of the instruments themselves, making each recital both a musical and historical experience.
Music and Local History in One Event
Alongside the recital, Professor Gembalski will give an illustrated talk exploring the history of the church's organ, its construction and the legacy of Carl Volkmann. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover how the instrument was created and why it continues to hold such a significant place in the region's musical heritage.
The event also highlights the close historical links between the church and the development of Chorzów. The land for the church was donated by the management of the former Królewska Huta steelworks, reflecting the long-standing relationship between industry, faith, and community life that helped shape the city.
Tomasz Owoc, Director of the Museum of Iron Metallurgy in Chorzów, said the church remains an important reminder of that shared history, with the museum and parish working together to help preserve and share this heritage with today's audiences.
Event Details
- Event: Bach and Improvisations Organ Concert
- Date: Sunday 26 July 2026
- Time: 5.00 pm
- Venue: Evangelical Augsburg Church of St Elisabeth Ludwika Wittelsbach, ul. Katowicka 92, Chorzów
- Admission: Free
- Tickets: Advance ticket required. Places are limited.
- Donations: Voluntary donations for the church will be welcomed during the event.
For anyone with an interest in classical music, historic instruments or the cultural heritage of Upper Silesia, this promises to be a memorable afternoon in one of Chorzów's most distinctive historic churches.
source: Muzeum Hutnictwa w Chorzowie / image credit: Adrian Tync, CC BY-SA 4.0
