The Lodz Philharmonic and its history is a story of constant change. The building has come a long way from the 19th-century Vogel Concert House, through post-war renovations and periodic relocations to temporary halls, to the modern edifice opened in 2004. The building has changed with the needs of artists and audiences, and each of its unveilings has left a mark on the city’s memory and confirmed the importance of the venue as the heart of Lodz’s musical life.
The Lodz Philharmonic – the beginnings of its activity
The history of the Lodz Philharmonic began in 1915. It was then that Tadeusz Mazurkiewicz established the Lodz Symphonic Orchestra. Its first concert took place in February of the same year in the Grand Theatre on Konstantynowska Street. The musicians included later well-known artists, such as Paweł Klecki and Aleksander Tansman. Rehearsals were held at the premises of the “Hazomir” singing association, and concerts were organised at the Grand Theatre and the Vogel Concert House. After World War II, the ensemble was transformed into the City Philharmonic, and in 1949 it became the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Łódź. Since 1984, it has been under the patronage of Artur Rubinstein, an outstanding pianist and ambassador of Polish musical culture.
“Legacy of Place”
From the beginning, the Philharmonic was associated with the address at today’s 20 Narutowicza Street, where Ignacy Vogel’s Concert House, designed by Otto Gehlig, stood in the 1880s. The building served music lovers and artists for decades, but in the 1990s its technical condition forced the orchestra to move. At that time, concerts were held at various venues, including St Matthew’s Church. Eventually, the old building was demolished and a new philharmonic hall was constructed in its place.
The Lodz Philharmonic and its new premises
on 10 December 2004, the new Philharmonic Hall, designed by the Cracovian architect Romuald Loegler, was opened. The building is reminiscent of the former Vogel Concert House through its form and the print on part of the facade, while at the same time using modern materials and solutions. Transparent walls, panoramic lifts and elliptical staircases create an open space. The concert hall seats more than 650 people, while the chamber hall, located underground, can accommodate around 120 listeners. Hotel facilities are also provided for guest artists. The building won the Main Prize of the Association of Polish Architects for the best building erected with public funds in 2004, as well as the second prize in the “Construction of the Year” competition.
The Lodz Philharmonic today
In 2015, the philharmonic celebrated its centenary. On this occasion, it installed a unique organ consisting of two independent parts: a Baroque and a Romantic organ. This is unique in Europe and the only one of its kind in Poland. The anniversary was celebrated with a series of concerts during which music lovers could hear the new instrument. The Philharmonic was then honoured with the Gold Medal for ‘Merits to Culture Gloria Artis’.
Source: filharmonia.lodz.pl, culture.pl
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Lodz Philharmonic building, late 20th century and today. Source: Museum of the City of Łódź and Google Maps
