JAZZ AT THE CASTLE: DAMIĘCKA, SMOCZYŃSKI, JAROS, SZMAŃDA

On the eve of International Jazz Day, the Bogusław X Hall will be filled with the subtle, elegant sounds of contemporary jazz. The Ilona Damięcka Quartet will take the audience on a musical journey full of emotion and room for improvisation. The concert program will be based primarily on compositions from Ilona Damięcka’s album *Hope* . It is music that is economical in form yet profound in expression— balancing lyricism, jazz freedom, and a spiritual mood. The pieces feature gospel influences, subtle references to Jewish music, and a tribute to the legend of Polish jazz—Tomasz Stańko. Nostalgia meets the energy and joy of improvisation, creating a cohesive, contemplative sonic narrative. The Castle will host outstanding musicians from the Polish jazz scene: pianist and vocalist Ilona Damięcka, violinist Mateusz Smoczyński, double bassist Michał Jaros, and drummer Krzysztof Szmańda. Their collective sound is a meeting of experience, sensitivity, and masterful improvisation.