Beginning, Dialogue and Contrast – under these themes, the first-ever UNIVERSUM FESTIVAL will kick off this June. The event is organized by the European Fund for the Development of Polish Rural Areas – International Cooperation Center GRODNO, in collaboration with the Atom String Quartet and polenmARkt from Germany.

The UNIVERSUM FESTIVAL will take place June 13-15, 2025 in Grodno near Międzyzdroje, Poland. Over three days, the audience will experience extraordinary jazz performances from acclaimed musicians from Poland and abroad, representing different generations, sounds, and styles.

At its core, the festival aims to showcase the universal values of music – bringing artists and audiences together across borders and cultures. Atom String Quartet, serving as artistic curators, emphasize the importance of musical collaboration: „We are excited that many of the musicians will be performing together for the first time at the festival. Musical dialogue is key for us. It will be a truly unique experience, both for us and for the audience.”

BEGINNING

The first day of the festival will feature performances by Dorota Miśkiewicz, Dominik Wania, and Atom String Quartet. The program will revolve around the album Piano.pl, a tribute to Poland’s rich piano tradition. The evening will continue with improvisations in various configurations, sparking musical dialogues. The day’s finale will be a joint performance featuring polish musicians alongside Rabih Abou-Khalil and Jarrod Cagwin.

DIALOGUE

Saturday evening opens with SUFERI, a leading avant-garde jazz group from Warsaw. Festival programmer Krzysztof Lenczowski shares his expectations: „I hope for musical fireworks and the thrill of discovering new soundscapes together during this concert.” Pianist Dominik Wania will join SUFERI for select pieces.

Providing contrast to SUFERI’s avant-garde energy, the Rabih Abou-Khalil Group will transport the audience into a mesmerizing world of sensual melodies and intricate rhythmic structures. Dorota Miśkiewicz will make a guest appearance in several pieces.

CONTRAST

The final festival day will showcase Atom String Quartet performing material from their album UNIVERSUM, alongside the Christoph Titz Band. The juxtaposition of a string quartet with a classic jazz band will reinforce the theme of contrast, bringing the festival’s first edition to a close.

Each festival day will offer to the audience a remarkable artistic experience – one that transcends divisions by blending contrasts, styles, and influences. This Polish-German collaboration will also foster greater awareness of shared values among communities in both countries.

Entry to all concerts is free, but attendance requires entry passes, available at the following locations: Public Library of Wolin Municipality (Wolin) and its branches in Kołczew and Wisełka, Municipal Public Library in Międzyzdroje, International Cooperation Center in Grodno near Międzyzdroje

The UNIVERSUM FESTIVAL – ART WITHOUT BORDERS/UNIVERSUM FESTIVAL – KUNST OHNE GRENZEN is co-funded by the European Union through the Small Projects Fund, part of the Interreg VI A Cooperation Program Mecklenburg-Vorpommern / Brandenburg / Poland (2021-2027).