Filharmonia Szczecin

The Szczecin orchestra's fortunes resemble Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5: contrasting themes, an atmosphere of conflict, the suffering of individuals, a few dead end streets and gigantic triumph – a sunny C Major chord. This history dates back to post-war times, when musical life in Szczecin was full of enthusiasm, and an atmosphere of great reconstruction and spontaneity. There were several ensembles performing at various venues. Szczecin dwellers owe the beginnings of the symphony orchestra to the work of professionals and enthusiasts, professional musicians and amateurs. It was they who on November 23, 1945, performed works by Rachmaninov, Rubinstein and Tchaikovsky at a concert that took place ... at the Baltic Cinema. The next phases of symphonic music development are reminiscent of the rings of a young tree. This "cinematic" ensemble was accompanied by instrumental formations from the army and rail, and then strengthened by a 12-person radio orchestra. In 1947 the next musical ensemble to start in the city was the Polish Musicians’ Association Symphony Orchestra (like the contrasting theme in Beethoven's symphony). The need to regulate this dispersed musical activity slowly grew. With the help of collectivising tendencies of those times, the Workers’ Music Association (RTM) was established in 1948, with that year considered the official start of the state orchestra in Szczecin. Felicjan Lasota became the first director and conductor of the RTM Orchestra.