The Warsaw Philharmonic - The National Orchestra and Choir of Poland, which celebrated its centenary in 2001, is one of the oldest musical institutions in Europe. The Second World War interrupted the Philharmonic's activity: the building was destroyed and about half of the musicians perished. It reopened for the 1947-1948 season. The building was reconstructed in a totally new style and completed in 1955: on 21 February it inaugurated the season for the first time since the war within
its own walls and received the title of the National Orchestra of Poland. In the years that followed, the orchestra grew in size and an organ was installed in the Concert Hall. A professional choir was also formed, founded by Zbigniew Soja.
oday the Warsaw Philharmonic - National Orchestra and Choir of Poland is made up of 112 top-ranking musicians and 100 choral singers. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.