“proMODERN shakespired” is a compelling encounter between the poetry of the sixteenth century and the language of contemporary music. Fifteen original works, specially commissioned for the ensemble from some of Poland's most distinguished composers, demonstrate that the emotions shaping the human experience transcend both time and culture.

In this imaginative project, proMODERN offers a fresh reading of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, revealing their enduring relevance through a rich and expressive contemporary musical landscape. By placing timeless poetry in dialogue with the voices of today's composers, the ensemble invites audiences to rediscover Shakespeare from a strikingly modern perspective. The programme also includes a composition by the famous singer-composer-arranger Philip Lawson, member of the legendary King’s Singers.

Programme:

1) Krzysztof Herdzin - sonnets 18 & 25

2) Philip Lawson - sonnet 104

3) Krzesimir Dębski - sonnets 1 & 2

4) Stanisław Moryto - sonnets 47, 102 & 8

5) Paweł Łukaszewski - sonnet 27

6) Włodzimierz Pawlik - sonnet 33

7) Andrzej Borzym - sonnets 57 & 41

8) Aleksander Kościów - sonnet 139

9) Tomasz Opałka - sonnet 128

proMODERN

proMODERN is one of Europe’s leading vocal ensembles specialising in twentieth and twenty-first-century music. The ensemble has earned international recognition for combining exceptional vocal artistry with a bold and innovative approach to contemporary repertoire. Winner of five Fryderyk Awards, proMODERN regularly appears at major music festivals and collaborates with leading orchestras and composers in Poland and internationally. The British magazine Gramophone described the ensemble as “every composer’s dream”, highlighting its extraordinary vocal capabilities.