10th Arena Festival film & music: Valhalla - Symphony of the North

Immerse yourself in the raw power of the ancient North on Saturday, July 4, as the Ostróda Amphitheater becomes a living portal to Warmia and Mazury’s storied past. The second instalment of the Arena Film & Music Festival invites you to a night where contemporary pop culture collides with authentic archaeological echoes, and where music becomes the heartbeat of history. In a breathtaking symphonic setting, the stage will unfurl the spell‑binding soundtracks that transported us to Viking raiders, Slavic mystics, and roaring medieval battles. Revel in the guttural themes of *Vikings*, the ethereal strains of *Stara Baśń*, and the epic score from *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla*, all performed by a dynamic blend of symphony orchestra, ethnic ensemble, and choir. The evening is curated to echo the alluring cadence of historical fiction, delivering emotion in every note. Special Guest Composer Krzesimir Dębski will grace the programme, weaving the film’s grandeur with the deeply grounded sounds that reveal the whispers of ancestral truth. The concert unfolds in two powerful parts: **Part 1 – led by Marian Czarkowski**: The KRIVE Ensemble (Marcin Rumiński on vocal, mandola, bagpipes, and throat singing; Jacek Fedkowicz on bass; Kamil Drężek on drums and throat singing; Michał Górka on tagelharpa; Marcin Sojka on percussion) along with the “ProForma” ensemble (conducted by Marcin Wawruk) bring songs from early Middle‑Age films to life, capturing the raw spirit of that era. **Part 2 – moderated by Magda Miśka‑Jackowska**: Conductor Maciej Kotarba and the Symphony Orchestra of the Warmia and Mazury Philharmonic tackle rich pieces by Krzesimir Dębski, featuring *Stara Baśń*’s “Kupala Night” and “Viking Attack” soundtracks, completing an unforgettable sonic journey through time. Join us for this unforgettable fusion of history, folklore, and soaring music—where every chord whispers the legends of the North and every silence reverberates with the past. Please reserve your seat now for an evening that promises to be as resonant as the ancient stone walls of Ostróda.