A star-studded gala concert “Only in the Cinema”, a jazz reinterpretation of Kayah and intimate concerts close to the audience will form the programme of the 9th edition of WODECKI TWIST 2026 — a festival that brings back memories and celebrates the timeless quality of music.

Zbigniew Wodecki was an exceptionally versatile artist: he performed film songs, lent his voice to animated characters, but above all composed unforgettable melodies. One of them appears in the song “Only in the Cinema” — the inspiration behind this year’s gala concert. The song also carries a thoughtful reflection on how deeply we all need moments of escape from everyday life. On June 14 at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre, audiences will hear beloved songs from Wodecki’s repertoire, many of which played memorable roles in film and television. Performers will include Natalia Muianga, Reni Jusis, Natalia Przybysz, Olga Szomańska, Aleksander Dębicz, Krzysztof Iwaneczko and Mietek Szcześniak. Throughout the evening, the soloists will be accompanied by the acclaimed Orchestra of Tomasz Szymuś.

One of the most atmospheric highlights of the programme will be “Jazzayah” at the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — a venue that has become a favourite among festival audiences. Kayah’s greatest hits in new jazz arrangements, her original songs rediscovered in a fresh light, and classic American standards will resonate among greenery and summer evening light on Saturday, June 13. Joining the artist on stage will be outstanding Polish jazz musicians: Jan Smoczyński, Michał Barański, Michał Miśkiewicz and Iwona Zasuwa, who has collaborated with Kayah on stage for more than 25 years.

Festival audiences will once again be invited to experience intimate concerts — places where music meets architecture and the closeness between artists and audiences creates a unique atmosphere. On June 10, Karen Edwards, the acclaimed American vocalist and pianist, will perform at Mercy Brown. On June 11, also at Mercy Brown, Anna Rusowicz will pay tribute to the great divas of the Polish stage, including Anna German and Ewa Demarczyk.

On June 12, Klub Pod Jaszczurami will host TWIST – UP CLOSE featuring Royber Trio with Mikołaj Trzaska, Olo Walicki and Macio Moretti. The concert begins at 8:00 PM and will be followed by a jam session at 10:00 PM.

WODECKI TWIST loves art — and art loves it back. During the festival week, we especially recommend the exhibition “Song Without Words” by Piotr Olszewski, whose title references Wodecki’s song “Song of Silence”. Through delicate contrasts of light and shadow and the repetitive rhythm of lines, Olszewski creates a visual record of emotions, relationships and tensions. Painting like a quiet melody.

The exhibition opening will take place on June 12 at the Potocki Palace by the Main Market Square. The musical guest of the evening will be Szymon Mika — one of the most distinctive voices of contemporary Polish jazz guitar, presenting material from his highly acclaimed album “Attempts”. Free admission.

As every year, the festival will begin at the Main Market Square with a communal performance of “Start with Bach”. On Friday, just after the noon trumpet call from St. Mary’s Basilica, Kraków choirs, the festival patron’s family, friends and the audience will join voices in one of the most symbolic moments of the festival.