Choir Ambassador from Blieskastel: Remembrance in Poland inspires everyone!

Choir Ambassador from Blieskastel: Remembrance in Poland inspires everyone!

The Collegium Vocale Blieskastel undertook a significant choral tour to Poland, which took place on October 30, 2025. The destination of the trip was the town of Markowa in eastern Poland, which has a particularly close relationship with the Saarpfalz district. In Markowa there is a museum that commemorates the Ulma family, who were shot in 1944 because they were hiding Jewish people. As part of the trip, the choir, together with representatives of the district and the city of Markowa, commemorated the Ulma family and others who rescued those persecuted during the Second World War.

The series of events included a ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony and singing in Polish. Everyone involved emphasized the importance of international understanding and remembering the past. To further honor this tragic story, the Saarpfalz district planted nine apple trees in the Gräfinthal monastery garden in 2023.

An unforgettable concert

After the memorial events, the Collegium Vocale gave a concert in the packed church in Markowa. The choir's Polish songs were very well received by the audience and led to a standing ovation. This musical performance not only represented the cultural bridge between the two nations, but also served as an important symbol of European understanding.

Another highlight of the trip was the visit to the Jewish quarter in Krakow and the ghetto, which vividly illustrated the traces of the Nazi era. The cultural experiences were complemented by a trip to the historic market square, St. Mary's Church and Wawel Castle in Krakow.

Cultural experiences in Krakow

The choir's visitors also had the opportunity to take part in a Sunday service in the Sacred Heart Church in Krakow, where a Haydn mass was performed. Dr. Violetta Frys, the European representative of the Saarpfalz district, accompanied the choir as an interpreter and contact person. She praised the high musical level of the choir and its significant contribution to European understanding.

The trip of the Collegium Vocale Blieskastel can therefore be seen as an impressive example of cultural cooperation and the promotion of the culture of remembrance between Germany and Poland. Such initiatives are crucial to maintaining awareness of the events of the past and promoting international understanding. Further information can be found in detailed reports from Homburg1 and Yahoo.