Education and culture shape new generations
Education and culture shape new generations
Szamotuły is a town with long cultural traditions. It was here, where the rich folk culture of Wielkopolska with its characteristic garments, dances, songs, legends, believes, rites and habits has preserved for the longest time. The folk group Szamotuły, initiated by Marianna Orlik and led by Janina Foltyn, has been cherishing this tradition for decades. The present cultural life develops thanks to such institutions as Szamotuły Culture Centre or Museum-Górka Castle. All the institutions organize numerous cultural events attracting many tourists. There are many concerts and festivals connected with the works of the famous composers who came from Szamotuły, among others Wacław from Szamotuly – court musician of the king Zygmunt August , Xavery and Philip Scharwenka – famous pianists and composers from the turn of 19/20th century, renowned at their times in Europe and all over the world. The memory about the distinguished citizens of Szamotuły has been cultivated by the yearly Meetings of Choirs “Swiat Wacława z Szamotuł” (The World of Wacław from Szamotuły) as well as Philip and Xavery Scharwenka Music Festivals. The events take place at the turn of June and July in intimate chambers of Górka Castle.
Beside festivals and instrumental workshops held here for many years, the international partnership between musical schools from Szamotuły, Miedzyrzecze and German Bad Saarow has been initiated. In 2014 the first international competition for young performers playing Scharwenka brothers’ compositions took place. We are looking forward to the next editions.
Szamotuły Culture Centre gathers children, young and adult enthusiasts in numerous groups, sections, workshops and clubs. Every week the Centre organizes concerts, which present various types of music, as well as many summer outdoor events. The idea of the return of sculpture meetings met with great interest. The first meeting named Wielki powrót rzezb (Great Return of Sculptures) took place in 2011 after a thirty-year break. It resulted in decorating Sienkiewicz Park with numerous sculptures.2015 is the date of the fifth artistic happening after its return. Every year is marked by a different theme, which makes a challenge for the artists. Growing popularity of this event among domestic and foreign artists proves that the idea was a spot on initiative. The results of the work of sculptors, their appealing creations located in different places of the town, raise the esthetics and draw attention of inhabitants and visitors to Szamotuły.
Every year at the beginning of September the town is overtaken by rock music enthusiasts who take part in the national rock groups competition SzOK&Roll. The event was initiated in 2011. The Culture Centre makes use of the former Franciscan monastery for interesting artistic activities. In summer concerts take place in the garth. The Centre has also in
troduced street art in the town. The frontage of the cinema has been decorated with a mural depicting Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. At the end of 2012 Szamotuły Culture Centre introduced digital movie in Halszka cinema in Szamotuly. The cinema interior was redecorated and a new projector with 3D technology was installed.
Thanks to a good repertoire and low prices the cinema boasts with imposing attendance during film shows and concerts.
Another novelty in our town, the Festival of Street Curiosities (UFO) is a project which appeared and so deeply settled in the Halszka town that Szamotuły has become a regional capital of this undertaking. Living sculptures astonish with shocking ideas and elaborate presentation of details. Szamotuły inhabitants have got on UFO and eagerly take part in nominating the best figures. The engagement of an international group of artists makes UFO a very prominent event.
A presentation of the Wieża Statuette to the inhabitants of Szamotuły who contributed to the promotion of Halszka settlement by their unique achievements has become still young but already a tradition. A tower (wieża) is one of the main symbols of the town. It amazes with its architectural beauty and its impressive size. It was an inspiration to make use of its miniature. During the last New Year’s Eve concert the first award Wieża 2014 was handed over to a professor Radek Bukowski, a medical doctor and a scientist with achievements at the global level. The second Wieża 2015 was handed over to the President of the Republic of Poland - Bronisław Komorowski by
the mayor Włodzimierz Kaczmarek in the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. Piotr Mikołajczak – born and brought up in Szamotuły, a musician, a composer and a film producer received the third statuette Wieża 2015 (the Tower 2015).
The Alla Breve Choir conducted by A. Warguła requires recommendation. Public Library promotes reading.
The tradition of education in Szamotuły is dated back to the 15th century when a parish school was founded. Today in the town and the commune there are numerous education institutions from kindergartens, primary schools, junior and senior high schools to the University of the Third Age. The educational offer is complemented by the Music School of the first and second level, Public Music Circle and some private companies teaching foreign languages.
