H.I.P.S.T.E.R. Autumn Concert Series 2025

H.I.P.S.T.E.R. Autumn Concert Series 2025

Experience the H.I.P.S.T.E.R. Autumn Concert Series at the Hunt Museum, a journey through medieval melodies, Polish Renaissance music, and evocative Klezmer string traditions performed by world-class musicians.  H.I.P.S.T.E.R. (Historically Informed Performance Series, Teaching, Education and Research) is co-directed by Vlad Smishkewych & Yonit Kosovske, with support from  the Arts Council of Ireland and Limerick City & County Council.

Sunday, 12 October

FANTASIES, SONGS, AND DANCES: Music from 16th-century Poland Michał Gondko, lute

Date: Sunday, 12 October
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Location: Captains’ Room
Admission: €15 Adult/€10 Concession

Lutenist Michał Gondko and harpsichordist Corina Marti present a captivating programme of music from 15th- and 16th-century Poland—a period often celebrated as the country’s cultural Golden Age. During this time, Poland emerged as a significant force in European politics, and its cultural life flourished, fueled by economic prosperity and influenced by the humanist ideals and artistic trends of Italy, Germany, and Flanders.

Polish music of this era began to move beyond medieval forms, embracing the evolving styles of the Renaissance. This shift is vividly captured in manuscripts like the Lublin Keyboard Collection, a treasure trove of mid-1500s repertoire that includes improvisatory pieces, sacred and secular vocal arrangements, and an array of lively dances.

These sources also highlight an early enthusiasm for Polish songs and dances, which soon spread across Europe—an early and more elusive expression of musical ‘Polishness’ that predates Chopin by centuries. Gondko and Marti bring this rich, transitional moment in Polish musical history to life with rare insight and artistry.