For participants

Piotr Pawlak – Soloist

A prizewinner of numerous international competitions, Piotr Pawlak has earned top honors at events such as the 5th Maj Lind International Piano Competition in Helsinki (2022) and the 11th International Chopin Competition in Darmstadt (2017). His accolades also include awards from Chopin competitions in Beijing (2016), Budapest (2018), and Kraków (2019), as well as distinctions from the Stanisław Moniuszko International Competition of Polish Music in Rzeszów (2019), the Ignacy Jan Paderewski International Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz (2022), and the International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments in Warsaw (2023).

He has appeared three times at the prestigious International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw (2015, 2021, 2025) and has performed across Europe, as well as in the United States, China, and Japan. Beyond the concert stage, Pawlak is passionately committed to reintroducing improvisation into the world of classical music, enriching tradition with spontaneity and creativity. 

Sinfonietta Cracovia

Sinfoietta Cracovia, the Orchestra of the Royal Capital of Kraków, is among Poland's foremost chamber ensembles. Renowned for its versatility, precision, and expressive range, the orchestra seamlessly transitions between chamber and symphonic repertoire.

It has gained particular acclaim for its interpretations of contemporary music — spanning avant-garde works to film scores — while actively championing new compositions and Polish musical heritage. The orchestra maintains a close artistic connection to Krzysztof Penderecki, whose works it performs with exceptional authority, reflecting his role as mentor and patron.

As a vibrant municipal cultural institution, Sinfonietta Cracovia plays a key role in shaping Kraków's artistic landscape while also serving as an ambassador of the city and Polish music abroad. Its musicians regularly appear on international stages, participate in prestigious festivals, contribute to acclaimed recordings, and collaborate on film and television projects.

Founded in 1994 from ensemble Young Kraków Chamber Players, and supported by Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki, the orchestra has grown into a distinguished institution recognized both in Poland and internationally.

Resources for finding accommodation in Kraków

There are options for accommodation in Kraków to fit any budget. The resources below will help you search for high-end hotels as well as discount hotels/hostels or rent an apartment using a service such as Airbnb. 

General hotels

• Booking.com: booking.com
• Expedia: expedia.com
• Frommer’s Travel Guide: frommers.com/destinations/krakow/hotels

Apartment rental

• Airbnb: airbnb.com
  Airbnb can help you book an apartment in Kraków instead of a traditional hotel. It is sometimes more cost effective, especially if you are travelling with friends or colleagues.
• VRBO: vrbo.com
  VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) also allows you to book apartments in Kraków.

Hostels

• Hostel world: hostelworld.com

Getting to and around Kraków

Kraków lies in the region of Malopolska, which is located in southern Poland. It can be easily reached by air, rail, and bus.

By plane

Kraków Airport is 7 miles (~12 km) from the city and offers direct flights from select cities. For more information on the travel possibilities from the airport, see the airport website: www.krakowairport.pl/en/. 

By train

Kraków has direct railway links with a number of cities, not only local, but also international, including Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Lviv and many more. For more information on timetables and fares, see the Polish railways website: rozklad-pkp.pl/en.

By car

For tips concerning travelling by car, see the Kraków Travel website: krakow.travel/en. 

With limited parking and much of the Old Town being a car-free zone, driving in Kraków will be more of a hindrance than a help. What’s more, most tourist attractions are in the Old Town or within easy walking distance, so you won’t need a car, buses or trams unless you’re staying outside the center. 

Recommended taxi services 

Popular ride-hailing apps

• Bolt: Download the app: Google Play, App Store 
• Uber: Download the app: Google Play, App Store 

Traditional taxi carriers 

• iCAR: +48 12 653 5555 or +48 12 888 0000 
• Radio Taxi 919: +48 12 419 0000 
• Mega Taxi: +48 12 196 25 or +48 12 4 000 000 or +48 12 4 124 124