WAWRZYN

The Choir of the Parish of St. Lawrence and St. Anthony in Ruda Śląska was established in February 2012 at the initiative of the parish priest, Father Andrzej Nowara. Grażyna Darłak was appointed as its first conductor. In 2013, following a competition held among the ensemble members, the choir adopted the name "Wawrzyn" (Laurel), referring to the name of the parish’s patron saint. The laurel wreath became the ensemble's emblem—a symbol of creative inspiration, the glory of God, and the immortality of musical art. In 2014, Magdalena Podstawska took over as acting conductor. Unfortunately, the resignation of some members led to a suspension of the choir's activities and a hiatus lasting several years.

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The choir resumed its activity in September 2022, once again under the direction of Grażyna Darłak. Anna Darłak currently serves as the second conductor, also supporting the ensemble with her singing. The choir consists of approximately 25 members—children, youth, and adults—including several individuals who have been with the ensemble since its inception in 2012.

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The choir's primary mission is to provide musical settings for Holy Masses and ceremonies in its home parish. Consequently, its repertoire includes liturgical works for mixed choir, dedicated to various periods of the liturgical year. For the members, singing together is a beautiful and moving service, as well as an opportunity to deepen their personal prayer and share their musical passion.

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CONDUCTOR: Grażyna Darłak is a teacher, conductor, and music theorist holding a post-doctoral degree (Habilitated Doctor) in musical arts. She is the Head of the Department of Music Education and Eurhythmics at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, as well as the Deputy Director and a teacher of theoretical subjects at the Primary and Secondary State Music School Complex in Ruda Śląska.

She is the author of two monographs and several dozen articles, a juror in music competitions, and a member of the Zoltán Kodály Society in Poland. Furthermore, she serves as an expert for teacher professional promotion and a consultant for the Center for Artistic Education (CEA).