Warsaw Philharmonic: The National Orchestra and Its Concert Halls
What to know: The Warsaw Philharmonic - the National Orchestra and Choir of Poland - opened on 5 November 1901 with Paderewski as soloist, hosted the first three Chopin International Piano Competitions, and today fills two halls at Jasna 5: a 1,072-seat main hall and a 378-seat chamber hall.
Photo: Qkiel, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). The Warsaw Philharmonic building on Jasna street.
For classical music in Warsaw, one address matters most: Jasna 5, the home of the Warsaw Philharmonic - the National Orchestra and Choir of Poland, one of the oldest musical institutions in Europe.
1901: the first concert
According to the Philharmonic, the first concert was held on 5 November 1901: co-founder and musical director Emil Młynarski conducted, and the soloists included Ignacy Jan Paderewski - the world-famous pianist and future statesman. The building was designed by Karol Kozłowski in the Viennese Secession style, modelled on the Paris Opera.
The Chopin Competition home
The Philharmonic hosted the first three International Chopin Piano Competitions (1927, 1932 and 1937) and the first Wieniawski Violin Competition (1935), and its orchestra still takes part in the final rounds of the Chopin Competition - see our Chopin in Warsaw guide.
War and rebuilding
The Second World War destroyed the building and about half of the musicians perished. The Philharmonic reopened for the 1947-1948 season; the reconstructed building was completed in 1955, inaugurating its season on 21 February in its own walls and receiving the title of the National Orchestra of Poland.
Visiting
The building holds a main concert hall with 1,072 seats and a chamber music hall with 378. The orchestra counts 112 musicians and 100 choral singers; from the 2024/2025 season the Music and Artistic Director is Krzysztof Urbański. Season concerts, youth Thursday Concerts and Sunday concerts for children run all season - check the programme on the Philharmonic's site.
FAQ
When was the Warsaw Philharmonic founded?
Its first concert was held on 5 November 1901, conducted by co-founder Emil Młynarski with Ignacy Jan Paderewski among the soloists.
Where do the Chopin Competition finals take place?
The International Chopin Piano Competition has been tied to the Warsaw Philharmonic since the first editions in 1927, 1932 and 1937, and the orchestra takes part in the final rounds.
How big is the Warsaw Philharmonic concert hall?
The main concert hall seats 1,072 and the chamber music hall seats 378, at Jasna 5 in central Warsaw.
Sources
Follow Warsaw Daily on Instagram
Daily Warsaw news, events, concerts and city tips in English: @warsawdailynews
Related articles
Targowek Guide: Right-Bank Calm and the Bródno Park
Targowek, on Warsaw right bank, mixes new housing estates with the green Bródno Park - site of a free municipal ice rink in the 2025/26 winter season. A district guide.
Bialoleka Guide: The Village That Became a Warsaw District
Bialoleka, in the north-east of Warsaw, was a village until 1951 - granted its location in 1524. Today it is a green, fast-growing residential district. A guide.
Wawer Guide: The Under-Appreciated South-East of Warsaw
Wawer, in the south-east of Warsaw, is one of the city's most beautiful and under-appreciated districts - green, riverside and calm. A district guide.