• Jan Gembala – music director, arrangements and compositions
• Joanna Kaczmarkiewicz – vocal
• Michał Rybka – bass guitar, keyboards
• Michał Szubert - drums

We, the women, must have perseverance and, above all, self-confidence. We must believe that we are gifted for something. – Marie Skłodowska-Curie

During the Dames of Polish Song concert, we will celebrate the music of strong, exceptionally talented women whose songs have stood the test of time. This special evening will feature timeless hits by some of Poland’s most iconic female artists—songs that have not only maintained their popularity over the decades but have become part of the very fabric of Polish musical heritage. 

One such classic is Anna Jantar’s Tyle słońca w całym mieście (So Much Sun in the Whole City)— not only an enduring hit in the repertoire of the late artist, but also an evergreen in Polish musical history. The song, composed by her husband Jarosław Kukulski, was, as he recalled, born of love and immediately captured the hearts of listeners. The lyrics, written by Janusz Kondratowicz, were inspired by Jantar herself—her radiant optimism and infectious zest for life.

Also on the programme is Alicja Majewska’s empowering anthem Być kobietą (To Be a Woman), which has become a symbol of strength, confidence, and independence for generations of Polish women. We will also revisit one of the great romantic ballads of Polish music: Kochać (To Love) by Piotr Szczepanik, first released in 1966.  It became one of his signature songs—frequently dedicated to his beloved wife Krystyna. After her passing, however, Szczepanik found it deeply emotional and difficult to perform. The song has frequently been performed by Edyta Geppert, often hailed as the queen of the Polish song. 

Another beloved classic, Miłość w Portofino (Love in Portofino) by Sława Przybylska, will also be performed. The song was so evocative that listeners wrote to the artist, sharing that they had travelled to sunny Portofino in search of the magic and emotion captured in its lyrics.

The concert repertoire also features Edyta Górniak’s unforgettable Eurovision hit To nie ja (Once in a Lifetime), which brought Poland international acclaim at the 1994 contest in Dublin, earning second place with an impressive 166 points. The single quickly climbed the charts across Poland, eventually achieving gold record status.
That evening, we will also hear Zanim zrozumiesz (Before you understand) by Varius Manx—a song brimming with emotional intensity, marked by a blend of melancholy, youthful defiance, and a certain sad reticence. Despite initial doubts from vocalist Kasia Stankiewicz, who was unconvinced by the simplicity of the lyrics, the track became a major success. It proved that power often lies in simplicity, and the album it appeared on went on to sell over 200,000 copies.

Another enduring hit in the lineup is Urszula Kasprzak’s Niebo to my (We Are the Sky)—a rock ballad that explores themes of freedom, intimacy, and building a life together. Though released years ago, the song remains as relevant and resonant as ever, and will also be performed during the concert at Artus Court.

The programme will include more contemporary gems as well, such as Ania Dąbrowska’s debut single Wszystko się może zdarzyć (Anything Can Happen, 2004). With its optimistic, yet mature message about embracing life and the unexpected, it became an anthem of hope for a new generation.

And when speaking of the dames of Polish song—many of whom are true icons of strength—we cannot forget Kayah’s bold and empowering Supermenka (Superwoman). Delivered with her signature sass and edge, the song is a celebration of female independence and resilience.

The evening of 22 August promises to be a powerful celebration of Polish music, emotion, and voice. Within the atmospheric walls of Artus Court, in the very heart of Toruń, we will experience the strength, beauty, and emotion of songs that have shaped generations. Each piece in the programme tells a story—timeless, moving, and unforgettable. We guarantee they will stir your heart this summer, just as they have for decades.

Mecenas Główny: Miasto Toruń
Partner Główny: Samorząd Województwa Kujawsko-Pomorskiego
Dofinansowano z Funduszy Europejskich
Patronat honorowy: Marszałek Województwa Kujawsko-Pomorskiego Piotr Całbecki, Prezydent Miasta Torunia Paweł Gulewski
Mecenas Kultury - Główny Sponsor: PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A.
Mecenas Strategiczny: Strabag Sp. z o.o.
Mecenasi: Urbitor Sp. z o.o., Starostwo Powiatowe w Toruniu
Partnerzy: Pneuma Jarosław Pawlicki, Pirmedia Sp. z o.o., BJJ Maciej Zieliński, RTR Group Sp. z o.o.
Partner motoryzacyjny: Toyota Bednarscy
Partner technologiczny: Vobacom Sp. z o.o.
Patronat medialny: TVP3 Bydgoszcz, TV Toruń, Nowości - Dziennik Toruński , Toruń Nasze Miasto, Polskie Radio PiK, POLMIC
Współpraca redakcyjna: RMF Classic
Organizator: Toruńska Orkiestra Symfoniczna