"Pueri Cantores Tarnovienses" Boys Cathedral Choir
The Choir was founded at the Cathedral Basilica in Tarnów by priest Andrzej Zając in March 1981. The initiator of the choir was the then bishop of Tarnów, Jerzy Ablewicz. By creating the Cathedral Basilica Boys Choir, the founders referred to the ancient church tradition of the boys’ choirs’ singing in cathedral churches. The primary task for the choir is musical setting during the solemn liturgy in Cathedral in Tarnów, especially those led by the Bishop Ordinary. So the main task set influences the repertoire of the choir, which consists of Gregorian chants and polyphonic religious singing of all styles epochs, from renaissance to modern times. The versatility, diversity and artistic value of the repertoire let the choir lead dynamic concert activity and take part in numerous festivals and music competitions both in Poland and abroad. The choir has performed in 19 European countries and has participated in many music festivals in the country and abroad, winning awards and distinctions. The concerts during the most important festivals include: Festival of Boys Choirs in Poznan (1989); Week of Talents in Tarnów (1989); Festival of Sacred Music "Gaude Mater" in Częstochowa (1992, 1996); the National Choir Tournament "Legnica Cantat" (1993, 1999); National Festival "Schola Cantorum" in Kalisz (1999); International Congresses "Pueri Cantores" in Rome (1987), Maastricht (1990), Salzburg (1996); International Choir Festival in Loreto (1989, 1999); International Choir Festival in Arnhem - The Netherlands (1991); the European Choir Festival in Kalundborg - Denmark (1992); International Choir Festival in Oskarshamn - Sweden (1993); International Festival of Boys Cathedral Choirs in Antwerp - Belgium (1993, 1996); Festival of Children Choirs in Nantes - France (1994); Choir Festival in Olomouc - Czech Republic (1995); International Music Festival in Cantonigros - Spain (1997); German Festival "Pueri Cantores" in Cologne (1998); European Competition of Cathedral Choirs in Noyon - France (1998); 20th International Choir Festival "Alpe Adria" in Trieste (2000); 8th International Choir Competition in Athens (2000); International Choral Festival in Fano (2001); International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music in Prague (2002); International Choir Festival in Malta (2003); International Competition of Sacred Music in Preveza - Greece (2005). The choir has already recorded five CDs. Since April 2008 priest Grzegorz Piekarz has been the new conductor of the choir. Małgorzata Wyszogrodzka is responsible for voice emission.
Priest Grzegorz Piekarz
He graduated from the Institute of Theology in Tarnów in 1996. During the studies he also graduated from the Music Secondary School in Tarnów in the organ class of doctor Mieczysław Tuleja, receiving a distinction in 1996. From 1996 till 1999 he was a vicar in St. Paul Apostle Church in Bochnia, where he founded and led girl’s parish choir “Schola Sancti Pauli”. He graduated from he Academy of Music in Cracow (in the choral conducting class of Prof. Jerzy Kurcz and in church music and organ class of senior doctor Krzysztof Latała) in 2004. At the same time he studied at the Theology Department of Pontifical Academy of Theology in Cracow. In 2007 he received his B.A. degree in theology and in January 2006 he received his doctor degree in history of liturgy. In 2006 he graduated from Postgraduate Studies in Choir Mastering at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz and in 2008 he graduated from Postgraduate Studies in Vocal Emission at the same school. Since September 2005 he has been the director of Diocese Organ College in Tarnów and Church Music Department of Diocese in Tarnów. On 7th February 2006 the Bishop of Tarnów appointed him the conductor’s assistant and on 10th June 2008 he was appointed the conductor of Boys Cathedral Choir “Pueri Cantores Tarnovienses”. During 2004-2008 he was a secretary of Polish Federation “Pueri Cantores” board. He is a member of Polish Church Musicians Association.
