This June, experience the music of Ēriks Ešenvalds at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Warsaw, performed by the SWPS University Choir. Celebrate the Choir’s 25th anniversary with us and discover the magic of Latvian choral music.
About the SWPS University Choir
The SWPS University Choir is composed of nearly 60 people passionate about music, full of great ideas and energy – both amateurs and professionals. The choir was founded in 2001 and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It is led by Ewa Mackiewicz – an accomplished conductor, vocalist, vocal coach, breathing trainer, and music theorist.
Initially, the Choir served as a venue for university ceremonies, but over time it began to reach a wider audience. Over the past quarter-century, it has performed in numerous venues across Warsaw, participated in various concerts, festivals, and reviews, and qualified for over 30 competitions in Poland and abroad, where it has repeatedly won top awards.
The choir has performed classical works such as G. Mahler's 2nd and 8th symphonies, L. Bernstein's comic operetta Candide, C. Orff's Carmina Burana, and W.A. Mozart's Requiem. It has collaborated with the Toruń Symphony Orchestra, the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Semkow Sinfonia Iuventus Polish Orchestra, and the Representative Artistic Ensemble of the Polish Armed Forces.
Today, the Choir is associated not only with classical music, but increasingly also with immersive projects and non-standard themes.
In recent years, the Choir's mission has become to promote Polish culture abroad. It has already performed in Sweden, Spain, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, and plans further tours in the coming years.
Learn more about the SWPS University Choir
Music by Ēriks Ešenvalds in the Choir's repertoire
The Choir's adventure with the Latvian composer began in 2017, when they were one of the first ensembles in Poland to perform "Stars", a piece about space. The sound of tuned glasses, suggested by the composer in the score, made a profound impression on the audience, emphasizing the eeriness and otherworldliness of the message.
The work of Ēriks Ešenvalds has appeared in our concerts many times. He is undoubtedly our favorite composer of the last five years. He shares our own sensitivity and emotionality, making performances of his works incredibly personal and engaging. We also see the power of his music in the audience's reactions at concerts – a mutually uplifting and deeply satisfying experience.
Ewa Mackiewicz
founder and conductor of the SWPS University Choir
The choir returned to Ešenvalds's music in 2022 while working on a project presenting the work of Sara Teasdale, who turned out to be Ēriks's favorite poet. The choir performed two of the composer's pieces: "The New Moon" and "Only in Sleep." In 2023, they prepared "Rivers of Light", a musical tale about the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
"Symphony of lights" – the Choir’s new album featuring the music of Ēriks Ešenvalds
In early June, Ēriks Ešenvalds will visit Poland and lead workshops for our choristers. The fruits of their labor will be heard in October 2026, when the album "Symphony of Lights" featuring music by the Latvian composer will be released!
Concert without registration – free admission!
Where: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kawęczyńska 53, Warsaw
When: June 11, 2026 at 19.00–20.00
Got any questions? Let us know!
Ewa Mackiewicz, conductor of the choir: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.