Concert in Honor of Polish Constitution Day
May 2 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Holy Cross Catholic Church will host a concert in honor of Polish Constitution Day, presented on the eve of Poland’s historic national holiday commemorating the Constitution of May 3, 1791.
The Holy Cross Choir and a chamber orchestra will perform a vibrant program of Polish sacred choral music spanning more than four centuries, from the splendor of the early Baroque to the powerful spiritual language of modern Poland. Many of these remarkable works are rarely performed in the United States, making this a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Poland’s sacred musical tradition.
Holy Cross Director of Sacred Music Samuel Backman writes:
“During my years at Holy Cross, I’ve grown more and more fascinated by the rich cultural traditions of Poland—especially its sacred music. After a great deal of research and many hours preparing and performing editions from the original sources, I’m thrilled to bring these beautiful and often overlooked treasures of Poland’s musical heritage to a twenty-first-century American and Polish-American audience.”
The program will feature music by distinguished Polish composers, including Szarzyński, Gorczycki, Mielczewski, Jarzębski, Surzyński, Klonowski, Dankowski, and Górecki, highlighting the depth and beauty of Poland’s sacred choral tradition. A special highlight of the evening will be Wojciech Dankowski’s beloved Mass in E Minor, cherished in Poland for its noble simplicity and devotional character.
Admission is free, and all are warmly welcome. Whether you come to celebrate Polish culture, rediscover the music of your heritage, or simply enjoy a beautiful evening of choral and orchestral music, we would be honored to have you with us.