Krasnale Filharmonii Wrocławskiej
plac Wolności
The Krasnale Filharmonii Wroclawskiej form a miniature orchestra outside the National Forum of Music at pl. Wolnosci 1, serenading passers-by beside the moat of the Old Town Promenade.
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Story
The Krasnale Filharmonii Wroclawskiej are perhaps the most musically gifted residents of Wroclaw's dwarf community. Legend has it that they were attracted to the National Forum of Music at pl. Wolnosci 1 like moths to a flame - unable to resist the pull of violins, trumpets, and cellos echoing through the building's famous acoustically-perfect walls. Since the concert halls are busy with rehearsals and recordings during the day, the little orchestra holds its practice sessions in the open air, by the moat and among the trees of the Promenade - although the frequencies they play are apparently just outside the range of human hearing.
History & Significance
The dwarf orchestra was established when the National Forum of Music opened at pl. Wolnosci 1 in Wroclaw. The NFM, opened in 2015, is one of Europe's largest concert venues and home to multiple ensembles including the NFM Philharmonic. A special Krasnal named Szomol sits nearby by the NFM wall on ul. Krupnicza side, named after Wlodzimierz Szomanski, founder of the Spirituals Singers Band and composer of well-known pieces to Julian Tuwim's poems.
Inspiration
The National Forum of Music (Narodowe Forum Muzyki im. Witolda Lutoslawskiego) was born from the merger of the International Wratislavia Cantans Festival and the Wroclaw Philharmonic. Its stunning building was designed by Kurylowicz & Associates and received the International Classical Music Award 2023. Having dwarfs at this world-class venue is a playful reminder that music belongs to everyone - including the tiniest citizens of the city.
Fun Facts
- The NFM orchestra of dwarfs plays frequencies allegedly inaudible to human ears - so technically they are always performing, even when you cannot hear them.
- At night during concerts, the dwarfs reportedly help tune the concert halls by adjusting acoustic panels and checking vibration isolators.
- The nearby Krasnal Szomol commemorates Wlodzimierz Szomanski, a real conductor and founder of the Spirituals Singers Band in Wroclaw.
- The NFM building at pl. Wolnosci has four concert halls and was awarded an International Classical Music Award in 2023.
- The Old Town Promenade moat where the dwarfs sit is one of the most scenic green spaces in central Wroclaw.
How to Find This Dwarf
From the Market Square, walk north along ul. Swidnicka for about 10 minutes until you reach pl. Wolnosci. The National Forum of Music is the modern glass and steel building dominating the square. The dwarf orchestra is arranged on the pavement near the moat and trees facing the building. Additional dwarfs can be found on the ul. Krupnicza side.
Nearby Dwarfs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Krasnale Filharmonii Wroclawskiej dwarfs?
They are located outside the National Forum of Music at pl. Wolnosci 1 in central Wroclaw, arranged near the moat along the Old Town Promenade. An additional dwarf, Szomol, sits by the NFM wall on the ul. Krupnicza side.
How many dwarfs make up the orchestra?
There are multiple dwarfs forming the miniature orchestra, including various instrument players arranged around the NFM building. The exact number can change - check the current list at visitwroclaw.eu or wromap.pl.
Who is Krasnal Szomol?
Szomol is a special musical dwarf near the NFM who commemorates Wlodzimierz Szomanski, a real Wroclaw conductor, composer and founder of the Spirituals Singers Band, known for his compositions set to Julian Tuwim's poems.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
The dwarfs are arranged on flat paving around the moat at pl. Wolnosci. The entire area is smooth and easy to navigate with a wheelchair or pushchair.
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