Design needs art

Interior design is often the art of increasing the value of real estate. Where most people only see concrete and walls, architects and interior designers see a wide range of possibilities and often transform them into true works of art. And more and more often, the works of art themselves are used to emphasize the class of the interior and the unique style of their owners.

 

Everyone who has sold an apartment knows that unique design has an impact on the value of real estate. Well-chosen accessories carry the value of the property when it is sold, which perfectly confirms that good design builds emotions and affects the perception of the interior, so it is worth asking ourselves how we can take care of the space in which we live every day, in order not only to take care of the value of the property, but also to our own well-being. Building the right mood, shaping emotions, creating interesting, sometimes even delightful interiors is the art of pulling out what is invisible at first glance, and interior designers know how to use it in such a way as to affect the quality of our lives.

 

“A well-designed interior can also be an art,” says Karolina Bernisz-Grabska, designer at
Design Anatomy
. – The right location and arrangement of rooms affects our mood. Taking care of the use of light, materials or our individual needs makes interiors an art in themselves. Beautiful and unique. A continuation of what is outside, but also a reflection of our individual preferences. It can also take care of our sensations and support well-being.

 

Design gives character

 

A well-designed interior under the supervision of a designer can take on a completely different character, but the value of the apartment, in addition to a great design, is also evidenced by the accessories and details that give the interior this final style.

 

– Customers of the premium segment do not value templated, duplicated solutions, but focus on individuality, uniqueness, originality, which is why they increasingly value works of art, natural or raw materials and products of craftsmen, whose works give interiors a truly original character – adds Anna Branicka, Leading Architect at
Design Anatomy
. – An architect must therefore not only stand out in terms of product knowledge, but also have a number of co-operators in the artistic and craft community in order to be able to respond to the demand for genuinely individual interiors. It is very important to recognize the client’s needs in terms of personal preferences, passion and style, in order to be able to propose one-of-a-kind solutions that allow you to reflect the client’s features in the interior. In interior design, we also focus on harmony between design and nature, which is synonymous with peace, an oasis for body and spirit, luxury. Sensory experience and return to nature are increasingly becoming a philosophy of life, which is why we are happy to introduce greenery, wood, organic materials, stone, metal, water and fire into the arrangement. We use subdued wall finishes, such as natural plasters, ceramic tiles or noble fabrics.

 

Art allows you to distinguish and emphasize class

 

Karolina Bernisz-Grabska adds that works of art are a perfect complement to design.

 

– They can be the perfect backdrop for design and décor. Here we probably no longer have any doubts that for tens, if not hundreds of years, even the utility objects that surround us in interiors have been real works of art. Original, Ludwik chairs are a great investment of capital. Who would have thought that not so long ago, because during the times of the People’s Republic of Poland, a very popular armchair model 366 by Józef Chierowski would be created, which after years would gain the name of a cult one. This common piece of furniture, standing in every second Polish small apartment in a block of flats made of large slabs, usually evoked mixed feelings and, due to its widespread occurrence, played a rather obvious element of interior design and an exclusively utilitarian role. Now it fetches high prices on auction portals and is an object of desire. This, as well as other furniture from that period, we learned to appreciate only after some time and only after years did they become art admired in museums. – says Bernisz-Grabska.

 

The benefits associated with the use of works of art in design cannot be overestimated. It is, among other things, an excellent investment. Not only capital, increasing the value of real estate, but also an investment in oneself and one’s own well-being, because art increases the pleasure of communing with it in the place of life. As Izabela Jakul, co-owner of the Istota Gallery in Gdynia, emphasizes, works of art provide a unique value.

 

– Art has a unique ability to transform space. Can create a narrative; It tells a story about the people who live in a given place, about their passions, travels or dreams. One small painting can completely change the energy of the interior, sometimes due to color, sometimes to the subject. An entire room can be organized around the sculpture. It happens more and more often that the starting point in an interior design is an artistic object – it is the furniture or other decorations that are supposed to fit into it, because it is the dominant feature. Art is an investment that goes beyond pure profit. It is primarily an investment in the quality of life, in the beauty that we look at every day. It is thanks to it that we create a home. A place where we feel fully ourselves. – says Yakul.

 

In design, the premium segment is governed by its own rules: it is the one that reacts to trends the fastest, senses them, searches for uniqueness and responds to the need for contact with a unique, unique interior. The mix of art and design therefore seems natural, even if, as a rule, these two fields are placed at two different poles, condescendingly treating design as something on a lower level than art. As Karolina Bernisz-Grabska emphasizes, there are also boundaries between architecture and design and art: Proponents of the definition that architecture and interiors are not art set clear boundaries between them. Art is supposed to nourish our senses, stimulate emotions, look inside ourselves, calm down. It is to be the voice of the generation, a cultural identity, one of a kind. Sometimes it is controversial and avant-garde – it crosses borders, sets new directions. And art and design are supposed to be something purely utilitarian, practical, universal. Functionality over aesthetics. Repeatable and accessible. The same applies to the architecture and interior component, i.e. design. However, is it really so? We love to walk through the atmospheric streets of Paris full of Art Nouveau gems, Barcelona with Gaudí’s buildings, Gdynia with buildings in the only, in its own style, “Gdynia modernism”. We admire the proportions of the body, the details of the façade, the joinery of the windows and doors. No matter how you look, we feed our senses, we learn the history of the place. We like some of them very much, others we even reject. Therefore, they affect us exactly like painting or sculpture.

 

 

 

ZOOM – a painting close-up of the young staff of the Academy of Fine Arts in Olivia Centre

We cordially invite you to the next exhibition of works of contemporary art presented in the space of the Olivia Star building. This time we are hosting “ZOOM” – paintings by five artists associated with the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk.

 

The Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk is one of the most important art schools in Poland, with a rich history dating back to 1945. Its headquarters are located in three unique buildings in the center of Gdańsk: the monumental Great Armoury, the English House in the Main Town and the Small Armoury in the Old Suburb. These historic spaces not only give the university a unique character, but also inspire subsequent generations of artists. The Academy combines tradition with modernity, offering a wide range of courses and actively participating in the cultural life of the city.

 

“Zoom” is a close-up of the individual fields of vision and personal painting languages of the young teaching staff of the Academy of Fine Arts. It is also a confrontation of attitudes, aesthetics and creative strategies, which – although diverse – create a coherent and intriguing story about the condition of contemporary painting.

 

Artists whose works are presented at the exhibition:

Karolina Futyma
Przemysław Garczyński
Tomasz Kopcewicz
Agata Nowosielska
Agata Przyżycka

Accompanying events:

20 May, at 18:00official opening of the exhibition, vernissage
20.05–20.07.2025 – curatorial tours – an opportunity to discover works together and reflect with the curator

 

The exhibition is carried out under the aegis of the Olivia Centre and the Gdańsk Community Foundation.

 

We cordially invite all art lovers, students, residents of the Tri-City and visitors to Olivia to experience this painting narrative up close.

 

 

Olivia Art – art close to us

Art inspires. Art connects. Art builds community. At Olivia, we believe that the workplace can also be a space for creative development – body, spirit and mind, which is why we invite you, our Residents, to join us on a journey into the world of art as part of Olivia Art! This is not another project “for residents”. It is a project with residents and thanks to them. We want to co-create it, act together – discovering together the art that lives in us and the art that can appear in our spaces.

 

Even more culture

 

Olivia Art is an invitation to cooperation. We want to get to know and develop the passions of residents together with them, in an open, natural and inspiring way. Anyway, as you know (or you will find out now) Olivia is already teeming with artistic life:

 

And this is just the beginning. Olivia Art is to be a platform that will allow you to develop artistically – regardless of your level of advancement or field. It is to be a place of meetings with music, image, word and movement. With passion. With another person.

 

The voice as the first instrument

The first installment of Olivia Art focuses on the voice and body. We start with what is most personal and accessible – with the sound we carry inside.

 

The meeting with the Art’n’Voices team will be a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of your own voice. The artists – award-winning vocal music performers, winners of the Fryderyk 2021 award in the “Contemporary Music” category – will present how to use the voice consciously, easily and effectively in everyday life and work.

 

This event is addressed especially to people who work with voices on a daily basisthey conduct meetings, presentations, public appearances. In an atmosphere of musical openness, you will be able to learn practical techniques of working with breathing, articulation and voice emission – as well as simply experience the joy of singing and expression.

What’s next? Movement, theatre, music

We have a lot in our heads, but we are not the ones to decide here! Anything can happen, e.g.:

  • dance classes
  • theatre workshops
  • jam sessions
  • meetings with artists
  • preparation of the rehearsal room in Olivia
  • and more!

Olivia Art will evolve – to the rhythm of what you want and need!

Your passions matter

We want to get to know you. Find out what you are already creating – and what you would like to develop in Olivia.

  • Do you paint?
  • Do you write epics?
  • Do you sing, play, sculpt, design?
  • Or maybe you just want to give it a try?

Olivia Art is an open space. If you have an idea for a workshop, exhibition, or joint creation – contact us. It is thanks to you that the project can take on life and a unique character.

Art works. Also in the office

Art is not only a passion. It also has a real impact on well-being and efficiency in the workplace – which is confirmed by research:

  • 94% of employees believe that the presence of works of art increases the attractiveness of the office (Business Committee for the Arts)
  • 61% declare that art inspires them to think more creatively (British Council for Offices)
  • In spaces with art, efficiency can increase by up to 30%, and communication and well-being of teams improve significantly (HR Pulse)

Art really works. And we want her to work here, in Olivia – every day.

Join Olivia Art! Come to the first meeting!

Create? Dreaming? Do you want to share your talent – or discover it?
Olivia Art is for you. The first meeting will take place on May 28 at 5:00 p.m. Registration soon!

📩 Write to us and become a part of this unique project: komunikacja@oliviacentre.com


Together, let’s build a place where art becomes everyday life.

 

Opening of the exhibition “Fresh Blood” in Olivia Star

Until 15 May, you can admire the works of young artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk at Olivia Star. The “Fresh Blood” exhibition, under the aegis of Olivia Centre and the Gdańsk Community Foundation, was opened by a vernissage in the lobby of Olivia Star. Media patronage: Zawsze Pomorze, TVP Gdańsk and Radio Gdańsk.

 

The exhibition “Fresh Blood” presents a variety of topics oscillating around man and the world around him. Painting invites the viewer to become part of the painting, depicting scenes of markets and their tumult, as well as a meditative look relating to our memories. Sculpture, from classic ceramic to modern plaster forms, complements this exhibition.

 

The following artists will present their works: Filip Rzodkiewicz (curator), Victoria Więckowska, Julia Ledwoń, Jan Raczyński, Matylda Soja, Magdalena Drawska, Jan Kalman and Oliwia Eliza Bury.

 

We cordially invite you to discover young art in the spaces of Olivia Centre. Admission.

 

 

About the creators:

 

OLIWIA ELIZA BURY
The artist (b. 1998, Rzeszów) is a graduate of the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (diploma in the sculpture studio of Professor Wojciech Sęczawa). She participated in plein-airs in Vilnius and the Czech Republic. Her work is based on an intuitive pursuit of her roots, an attempt to find and show her own arche, her Source. Her works are inspired by the nature and culture of the Subcarpathian region.
https://bury-artstudio.pl

 

MAGDALENA DRAWSKA
The young artist (b. 2000, Tczew) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fourth year) in the studio of Professor Krzysztof Polkowski. He paints, draws and photographs.
Instagram: @magda.lena.drawska

 

JAN KALMAN
(b. 2001, Gdańsk) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the studio of Professor Maciej Świeszewski. It mainly focuses on floral motifs; He also creates ceramics and botanical illustrations.
Instagram: @jan.kal.art

 

JULIA LEDWOŃ
Julia Ledwoń (b. 2000, Lubliniec) is a sculptor. She graduated from the Institute of Art of the University of Silesia in Katowice in the field of Artistic Education and master’s studies at the Faculty of Ceramics and Glass of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. She expanded her workshop skills during an internship at the Ceramic Kingdom Studio in Berlin. He is currently studying at the Faculty of Sculpture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (first year).
Instagram: @Julialedwon

 

JAN RACZYŃSKI
Jan Raczyński (b. 1999, Kartuzy) studies at the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Wojciech Sęczawa and in the Workshop of Medallic Art and Small Forms prof. Ph.D. Ludmiła Ostrogórska. Sculptor, painter, draughtsman, musician and poet. Raczyński focuses on reflection on man and his relationship with the world.
Instagram: @jan.raczynski.art

 

FILIP RZODKIEWICZ (curator of the exhibition)
The young artist (born in 2000) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) under the supervision of prof. Ph.D. Krzysztof Polkowski. Winner of the W. Fangor competition, winner of distinctions and artistic residencies at Laznia CCA in Gdańsk and finalist of the international competition “99 Future Blue Chip Artists”. He participated in artistic residencies in Latvia and South Korea. In addition to his own work, he organizes exhibitions of works by young artists as a curator of the “Northern Wall” Gallery. His works can be found in private collections in Poland, Canada and the USA.
Instagram: @Filip_Rzodkiewicz

 

MATYLDA SOJA
Visual artist, student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year). He paints, creates installations, works with the world. In her actions, she explores discomfort and looks for boundaries – not only her own.
Instagram: @thilde_sun

 

VICTORIA WIĘCKOWSKA
Victoria Więckowska (b. 1998, Toruń) graduated from the École Européenne in Luxembourg. She studied at the Faculty of Fashion Design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Belgium). Currently, she is a student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Maciej Świeszewski. Her paintings can be found in private collections in Poland and abroad. Victoria Więckowska lives and works in Sopot.
Instagram: @Art_e.vic

 

 

Olivia Art. Exhibition of paintings and sculptures by students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk

The Olivia ART project, initiated many years ago by a series of chamber concerts Olivia Camerata, has become a platform for the presentation of the work of artists from Pomerania. As part of it, in the lobby of the Olivia Star building, there is a public mini-gallery, where you can admire the works of painters, sculptors and photographers associated with the region, including employees of companies located in Olivia Centre.

 

In 2024 alone, this space hosted m.in an exhibition of photographs by Piotr Biegaj from Lyreco entitled “Birds” and photographs by Krzysztof Dygas from Nordea Bank – the series “City: Sketches with Light”. The year ended with an exhibition of works by the Olivia Photography Club entitled “Kaleidoscope: Images, Sounds, Emotions, Impressions”, documenting the Inside Seaside 2024 festival.

 

From 12 March, in Olivia Star, you can admire the works of young artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. We cordially invite you, together with the Gdańsk Community Foundation, to the opening of the exhibition entitled “Fresh Blood”, which will take place on March 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Olivia Star building. The exhibition itself will be presented until 15 May.

 

The exhibition “Fresh Blood” presents a variety of topics oscillating around man and the world around him. Painting invites the viewer to become part of the painting, depicting scenes of markets and their tumult, as well as a meditative look relating to our memories. Sculpture, from classic ceramic to modern plaster forms, complements this exhibition.

 

The following artists will present their works: Filip Rzodkiewicz (curator), Victoria Więckowska, Julia Ledwoń, Jan Raczyński, Matylda Soja, Magdalena Drawska, Jan Kalman and Oliwia Eliza Bury.

 

We cordially invite you to participate in this event and discover young, local art in the spaces of Olivia Centre.

 

About the creators:

 

OLIWIA ELIZA BURY
The artist (b. 1998, Rzeszów) is a graduate of the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (diploma in the sculpture studio of Professor Wojciech Sęczawa). She participated in plein-airs in Vilnius and the Czech Republic. Her work is based on an intuitive pursuit of her roots, an attempt to find and show her own arche, her Source. Her works are inspired by the nature and culture of the Subcarpathian region.
https://bury-artstudio.pl

 

MAGDALENA DRAWSKA
The young artist (b. 2000, Tczew) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fourth year) in the studio of Professor Krzysztof Polkowski. He paints, draws and photographs.
Instagram: @magda.lena.drawska

 

JAN KALMAN
(b. 2001, Gdańsk) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the studio of Professor Maciej Świeszewski. It mainly focuses on floral motifs; He also creates ceramics and botanical illustrations.
Instagram: @jan.kal.art

 

JULIA LEDWOŃ
Julia Ledwoń (b. 2000, Lubliniec) is a sculptor. She graduated from the Institute of Art of the University of Silesia in Katowice in the field of Artistic Education and master’s studies at the Faculty of Ceramics and Glass of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. She expanded her workshop skills during an internship at the Ceramic Kingdom Studio in Berlin. He is currently studying at the Faculty of Sculpture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (first year).
Instagram: @Julialedwon

 

JAN RACZYŃSKI
Jan Raczyński (b. 1999, Kartuzy) studies at the Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Wojciech Sęczawa and in the Workshop of Medallic Art and Small Forms prof. Ph.D. Ludmiła Ostrogórska. Sculptor, painter, draughtsman, musician and poet. Raczyński focuses on reflection on man and his relationship with the world.
Instagram: @jan.raczynski.art

 

FILIP RZODKIEWICZ (curator of the exhibition)
The young artist (born in 2000) studies at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) under the supervision of prof. Ph.D. Krzysztof Polkowski. Winner of the W. Fangor competition, winner of distinctions and artistic residencies at Laznia CCA in Gdańsk and finalist of the international competition “99 Future Blue Chip Artists”. He participated in artistic residencies in Latvia and South Korea. In addition to his own work, he organizes exhibitions of works by young artists as a curator of the “Northern Wall” Gallery. His works can be found in private collections in Poland, Canada and the USA.
Instagram: @Filip_Rzodkiewicz

 

MATYLDA SOJA
Visual artist, student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year). He paints, creates installations, works with the world. In her actions, she explores discomfort and looks for boundaries – not only her own.
Instagram: @thilde.son

 

VICTORIA WIĘCKOWSKA
Victoria Więckowska (b. 1998, Toruń) graduated from the École Européenne in Luxembourg. She studied at the Faculty of Fashion Design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Belgium). Currently, she is a student of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (fifth year) in the diploma studio of prof. Ph.D. Maciej Świeszewski. Her paintings can be found in private collections in Poland and abroad. Victoria Więckowska lives and works in Sopot.
Instagram: @Art_e.vic

 

Concert of Olivia’s Choir in Gdynia!

We invite you to the concert of the Olivia Choir at the Consulate of Culture in Gdynia! On June 26 at 6:30 p.m . you will hear the greatest hits of popular music in choral arrangements, m.in. Eurythmics, The Beatles, U2, Queen…

 

 

26.06, 18:30 | Consulate of Culture in Gdynia

 

Buy your ticket here

 

The Olivia Centre Choir gathers singing enthusiasts from dozens of companies in the business centre. It has been operating for over 5 years now – in December 2023 it celebrated its jubilee with the concert “Fifth ROCK”.

The guests of the jubilee concert, as its title suggests, let themselves be carried away by the wave of rock sound. They heard, m.in, Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit “, U2’s “With or Without You “, and Queen’s “We Will Rock You ” in choral arrangements.

 

The choir performed on the stages of the Tri-City, adding splendour to cultural and business events and supporting charity projects. In 2022, the choir’s debut album
entitled “Dobre Tony” was released, containing well-known pieces of popular music
.

 

The Olivia Centre Choir is a group of people working in various companies in various positions in a prestigious business cntrum in Gdańsk. It is a band that, after working hours, among everyday obligations, finds time to develop their talent and enjoy making music together. The choir had its debut in Dzień dobry TVN. He recorded the first music video for the song Seasons of love, and as part of the cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce, a recording of Christmas songs was created.

 

He won the Golden Band in the category of mixed choirs in the XVIII National Competition of Christmas Carols and Pastorals in Chełmno and the Bronze Diploma in the category of adult choirs in the VI Baltic Choir Competition Pomerania Cantat in Słupsk.

 

Wiktoria Pagieła – founder and artistic director of the Olivia Centre Choir. Born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, in a family with musical traditions. A scholarship holder of the Government of the Republic of Poland (2006-2011), a graduate of the Faculty of Choral Conducting, Music Education and Eurhythmics at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk. St. Moniuszko (in the class of Prof. W. Górski/diploma with distinction) and a graduate of the Faculty of Philology at the University of Gdańsk (diploma with honors). Originator, organizer and host of numerous music events, vocal and choral workshops in Pomerania. President of the Gdańsk Branch of the Polish Association of Choirs and Orchestras (2012-2014). One of the most important awards (preparation of the University Choir of the Academy of Music in Gdańsk) is the Fryderyk 2014 Award of the Phonographic Academy in the category Album of the Year. Symphonic and concertante music: Angelus, Exodus, Victoria under dir. Prof. Z. Rychert.

 

 

Buy your ticket here

 

 

 

We invite you to the concert of the Olivia do Oliwa choir

We invite you to the concert of the Olivia Choir at the Oliwa Town Hall of Culture! On April 12 at 7:00 p.m . you will hear the greatest hits of popular music in choral arrangements, m.in. Eurythmics, The Beatles, U2, Queen…

 

 

12.04, 19:00 | Oliwa Town Hall of Culture

 

The Olivia Centre Choir gathers singing enthusiasts from dozens of companies in the business centre. It has been operating for over 5 years now – in December 2023 it celebrated its jubilee with the concert “Fifth ROCK”.

The guests of the jubilee concert, as its title suggests, let themselves be carried away by the wave of rock sound. They heard, m.in, Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit “, U2’s “With or Without You “, and Queen’s “We Will Rock You ” in choral arrangements.

 

The choir performed on the stages of the Tri-City, adding splendour to cultural and business events and supporting charity projects. In 2022, the choir’s debut album
entitled “Dobre Tony” was released, containing well-known pieces of popular music
.

 

The Olivia Centre Choir is a group of people working in various companies in various positions in a prestigious business cntrum in Gdańsk. It is a band that, after working hours, among everyday obligations, finds time to develop their talent and enjoy making music together. The choir had its debut in Dzień dobry TVN. He recorded the first music video for the song Seasons of love, and as part of the cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce, a recording of Christmas songs was created.

 

He won the Golden Band in the category of mixed choirs in the XVIII National Competition of Christmas Carols and Pastorals in Chełmno and the Bronze Diploma in the category of adult choirs in the VI Baltic Choir Competition Pomerania Cantat in Słupsk.

 

Wiktoria Pagieła – founder and artistic director of the Olivia Centre Choir. Born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, in a family with musical traditions. A scholarship holder of the Government of the Republic of Poland (2006-2011), a graduate of the Faculty of Choral Conducting, Music Education and Eurhythmics at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk. St. Moniuszko (in the class of Prof. W. Górski/diploma with distinction) and a graduate of the Faculty of Philology at the University of Gdańsk (diploma with honors). Originator, organizer and host of numerous music events, vocal and choral workshops in Pomerania. President of the Gdańsk Branch of the Polish Association of Choirs and Orchestras (2012-2014). One of the most important awards (preparation of the University Choir of the Academy of Music in Gdańsk) is the Fryderyk 2014 Award of the Phonographic Academy in the category Album of the Year. Symphonic and concertante music: Angelus, Exodus, Victoria under dir. Prof. Z. Rychert.

 

 

Buy your ticket here

 

 

Olivia Art/ 12 Shades of Olivia

We are pleased to invite you to the next exhibition in the Olivia Art series. This time we present Olivia Centre in 12 scenes, shot from different perspectives, seen through the lenses of artists from the Photography Club. The selected works prove that a small change in perspective, light and humidity makes a big difference. We invite you to get to know the different sides of Olivia: in the sun and fog, with a focus on details and silhouettes of buildings.

The originators and organizers of the exhibition are the Residents of Olivia’s Photography Club. If you want to develop your photography skills, join the club: take part in sessions, webinars, courses and workshops. Join the Photography Club group.

Maciej Madaj, Tomasz Legutko, Maciej Roszkowski, Krzysztof Hewelt, Karolina Rymarczyk, Marcin Kasperski and Jacek Zieliński present their works.

WE INVITE YOU FROM FEBRUARY 14 TO OLIVIA STAR! ADMISSION!

Good tones. The great premiere of the Olivia Centre Choir’s album!

Admission

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the album – the result of the work and talent of people whose paths met in Olivia and were united by their love for music. It’s a unique album, woven from sounds, commitment of the whole band and authentic emotions.

Perhaps some of you will be surprised by the album released by the business center. However, this is one of those cases when we feel like a community in which the choir plays an important role.

The Olivia Centre Choir is a group of people working in various companies in the centre. It is a band that, after working hours, among everyday obligations, finds time to develop their talent and enjoy making music together. It is this joy that we wish to share today.

We present this album to you full of hope that the sounds recorded on it will bring you at least a little closer to the passion of the community that has been created around the Olivia Centre and is constantly developing.

Chapter 1

Baton Wanted

It started inconspicuously. From the musical sentiment of one person – Remigiusz Wojciechowski from Bayer. Music has always been important to him. Once, sitting in the audience of the philharmonic, he remembered the emotions that accompanied him when he sang in the choir. He thought he would like to have them in his life again. To do that, you needed people and a conductor. There was no shortage of people in the Bayer office, and a casting call for conductor was announced. Searches were made in the Tri-City and the surrounding area, messages were sent, telephones rang. After long talks, it was announced that Wiktoria Pagieła – a graduate of the Gdańsk Academy of Music, an experienced conductor and winner of numerous competitions – would become the choir’s conductor. This is how the Bayer employee choir was formed, and here we could write that the choristers and the conductor sang happily ever after. And while that would be true, it’s worth adding a few details.

Remigiusz Wojciechowski, bass

Mój ulubiony moment w chórze następuje chwilę po tym najtrudniejszym: kiedy rozczytujemy nowy utwór i każdy głos mozolnie klei nutę za nutą. Najpierw soprany, potem alty, tenory i wreszcie basy. Poziom energii jest niski, trochę wieje nudą. Aż w końcu przychodzi moment, gdy zaczynamy składać głosy ze sobą, choćby na kilka taktów. Wtedy zaczyna się muzyka i radość ze wspólnego tworzenia. 

Chapter 2

Everybody wants to sing

The news about the newly formed choir spread widely – the unusual initiative was impressive and it soon turned out that amateurs of choral singing can be found among many organizations. Less than a year later, the Bayer employee choir became the choir of the entire Olivia Centre. And so the team was joined by women and men, managers and specialists, seniors and juniors. They wanted to sing and they did, and Wiktoria’s baton combined many voices into one tone.

 

Chapter 3

Concert debut

They sang morning, night, on the way to work and in the shower, they sang in the offices and on their walks, they sang at every rehearsal, with all their hearts, until it was time to sing on stage. A spring concert was organized under the name Olivia Camerata: All That Jazz! The first concert is impossible to forget. Dressed in evening clothes, they performed three songs in front of a wide audience gathered in Olivia Star. There was no end to the applause! The choir rode the wave and a few months later performed an even more demanding repertoire at a concert at the Open House Gdańsk. Joint attempts and first successes brought people closer together. They enjoyed spending time together. Something important (and beautiful) happened between Ania and Wojtek. No wonder, Shakespeare was right when he said that music is the food of love…

Anna Ficek, soprano

I have been part of the choir since January 2019. For me, the choir was a return to music, to singing, which had always accompanied me. Thanks to the choir, my, so to speak, childhood passion awoke in me again. I’ve met great people here and found love, not only for music.

Chapter 4

Quiet

And then the pandemic hit… From one day to the next, choir rehearsals were cancelled and meetings became impossible. There was no way to train our voices together, to look into each other’s eyes and enjoy singing together. But people with passion will always find a way to pursue it, so they set off… online rehearsals, at a distance. The effort and determination were not in vain! The choir recorded, completely remotely, their first video, singing the song Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics.

Chapter 5

Spring

Autumn and winter passed, and the time had come when the heart of every choir member was yearning for music. Indoor rehearsals were still not a sensible idea, so the choir hesitantly started outdoor meetings. Spring Oliwa delighted with its beauty, and there was no shortage of places to sing. From timid rehearsals, a bold project was created – the choir’s second video, recorded for the song Seasons of love by Jonathan Larson. The time of separation was a difficult time for the friendships that formed between the notes.

Karolina Rymarczyk, soprano

Z Ewą poznałyśmy się na przesłuchaniach. Najbardziej zintegrował nas jednak nasz pierwszy chóralny projekt – praca nad teledyskiem do Seasons of love. Później były wspólne dodatkowe zajęcia wokalne. Nic tak nie łączy ludzi, jak muzyka! Do dzisiaj lubimy razem spędzać czas, również poza próbami. 

Ewa Bućko, soprano

Najpierw był casting, próby online i pierwsze próby na powietrzu. Tak zaczęła się moja przygoda z Chórem Olivii. Ważnym momentem było nagranie teledysku do piosenki Seasons of love w urokliwym leśnym otoczeniu. Z Karoliną złapałyśmy wtedy kontakt i wspólną energię. Piosenka z musicalu Rent do dziś jest dla mnie bardzo ważna. Wspólna pasja buduje i może być początkiem pięknych znajomości! 

Chapter 6

Where Music Flourishes

Again together, undefeated, they met for weekly rehearsals, rehearsing a completely new, exotic repertoire. A year-round tropical garden filled with plants from all over the world has been opened in Olivia Centre. Such a green space, pulsating with colours, inspired new musical explorations. In Olivia Garden, among ficus and banana trees, with the audience sitting on the boards of moso bamboo, during the next concert, traditional African Zulu folk songs resounded. The foreign-sounding language did not hinder understanding – every sound, bar, tone resounded with pure joy.

Chapter 7

Heart

On March 28, 2022, the words of the song Prayer for Ukraine flowed from the throats of more than a hundred choristers, including the Olivia Centre Choir. This is how the charity concert Heart with Ukraine began, organized in Olivia for refugees fleeing to Polish from the war-torn country. Its originator was Wiktoria Pagieła, a native of Zhytomyr. It was Wiktoria’s energy and persistence that allowed us to gather on one stage outstanding Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish artists, who together performed a piece that was a prayer for a good fate for Ukraine, for wisdom, divine protection and many years for the country and its people.

Wiktoria Pagieła, conductor

Gdy człowiek śpiewa, modli się podwójnie. Połączyliśmy siły i głosy w poruszającym dziele, jakim jest Modlitwa za Ukrainę, modląc się nie tylko o pokój na Ukrainie, ale także w Polsce. 

Chapter 8

They sing happily ever after

Over the 5 years of its activity, the band has gained many new voices. However, there are also constant, unchangeable ones in it – one of them is the voice of Remigiusz – the initiator of the whole project. In the symbolic fifth year, the album is created. It is not only a record of the songs performed together, but above all of the stories of people who were unexpectedly brought together by a passion for music.

Chapter 9

Postscript

We hope that the album will not only provide you with musical and aesthetic impressions, but also inspire you to discover and develop your talents. The album was created as an expression of the desire to share with our friends and supporters the fruit of the passion of the Olivia Centre community. Thank you for being with us!

Track listing

  1. Sweet Dreams – Annie Lennox, Dave A. Stewart – arr. Sharon Deke, Anne Raugh
  2. To Yourself and to You – Marcin Bartosz Macuk, Katarzyna Nosowska – arr. Anna Barszcz
  3. Tell – Zbigniew Wodecki – arr. Anna Barszcz
  4. Seasons of love – Jonathan Larson – arr. Roger Emerson
  5. Stand by me – Mike Stoller, Ben E. King – arr. Mac Huff
  6. Help – John Lennon, Paul McCartney – arr. Mario Thürig
  7. The lion sleeps tonight – Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss
  8. Siyahamba (Traditional Zulu Folk Song) – arr. Anders Nyberg
  9. Shosholoza (Traditional South African Work Song) – arr. Albert Pinsonneault
  10. Ayangena (Traditional Zulu Folk Song)

Olivia Centre Choir

The Olivia Centre Choir is a group of people of different ages, representing many organizations. Their love for music brought them together. Currently, the team consists of almost 50 people and brings together representatives of Olivia companies, such as: Agencja Rozwoju Pomorza S.A., Avaus Marketing Innovations Poland Sp. z o.o., Bayer, Energa S.A. GRUPA ORLEN, EPAM Systems (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Lyreco Advantage Sp. z o.o., O4 Coworking, PwC Polska Sp. z o.o., PKN Orlen S.A., Randstad Polska, Skills Group Sp. z o.o., RICOH Business Services Polska Sp. z.o.o., Winning Moves Polska Sp. Ltd.

Olivia Centre Choir conducted by Wiktoria Pagieła: Dorota Bednarczyk, Alicja Błażejewska, Anna Bratko, Michał Broekere, Emilia Ewa Bućko, Samuel Conejo Amaguaña, Krzysztof Dolański, Yuliia Fedosova, Anna Ficek, Magda Kamińska, Michał Krzepkowski, Ida Kwidzińska, Karolina Lewandowska, Marta Moksa, Magdalena Odrowąż-Piramowicz, Izabela Paluch, Katarzyna Piętka, Radosław Piętka, Hamish Potts, Katarzyna Roskosz, Dominika Rossa, Aneta Rybkowska, Karolina Rymarczyk, Aleksandra Peszek, Raman Shcherbau, Joanna Sienkiewicz, Samuel Steinborn, Maria Szkatulska, Karolina Tetlak, Aleksandra Troskinska, Aleksandra Waluda, Remigiusz Wojciechowski, Angelika Żołnierczuk, Wojciech Żółtowski.

Accompaniment: Krzysztof Hnatiuk – bass guitar; Jakub Krzanowski – drums; Karolina Ewa Krzyżanowska – keyboards, Olaf Szczeluszczenko – guitar

Wiktoria Pagieła, conductor

Founder and artistic director of the Olivia Centre Choir Olivia Centre. A graduate of the Academy of Music in Gdańsk. St. Moniuszko, laureate and participant of numerous conducting and choral competitions in Poland and abroad. Including. Grand Prix at the International Choir Competition A. Dvořák in Prague for the SSW Mundus Cantat Choir, Grand Prix at the VIII Festival O Warmia Moja Miła in Olsztyn for the Tutti e Solo Chamber Choir, Grand Prix at the National Festival of Marian Song in Chojnice. Originator and organizer of many music events. President of the Gdańsk Branch of the Polish Association of Choirs and Orchestras (2012-2014). One of her greatest successes is her participation in the preparation of the Choir of the Academy of Music. Stanisław Moniuszko in Gdańsk to record an album Wojciech Kilar: Angelus, Exodus, Victoria. Puck received Fryderyk 2014 in the category Album of the Year – Symphonic and Concert Music.

#razemmożemywięcej

Cinematography: Olivia’s Photography Club and friends – Sylwester Ciszek, Krzysztof Hewelt, Iwona Karpińska, Marta Moksa, Mariia Roiuk, Maciej Roszkowski, Karolina Rymarczyk

Graphic design: Mateusz Laskowski | Graphic proofreading: Elżbieta Nowak

Creative team: Aleksander Demski, Katarzyna Halicka, Maciej Olszewski, Małgorzata Tomaszewska-Szumała

Reports with residents: Patrycja Chracewicz, Dawid Glamowski, Monika Matysiak, Katarzyna Niedziela, Katarzyna Szymańska

  

Honorary Partner: Bayer

Partner: Lyreco

Welcome

That’s how it went. A few words about the beginnings of Olivia’s Choir…

The premiere of the Olivia Choir’s album is just around the corner!
In the meantime, let’s remember the beginnings.
That’s how it went…

 

 

My favorite moment in the choir comes right after the most difficult one: when we’re reading
A new song and each voice laboriously glues together note after note. First the sopranos, then the altos, tenors and finally the basses. The energy level is low, a bit boring. And finally, there comes a moment when we start to put the voices together, even if only for a few bars. That’s when the music and the joy of creating together begins.

— Remigiusz Wojciechowski, bass

It all started with the musical sentiment of Remigiusz Wojciechowski from Bayer. Music has always been important to him. Once, sitting in the audience of the Philharmonic, he recalled the emotions that accompanied him when he sang in the choir. He thought he would like to have them in his life again. To do that, you needed people and a conductor. There was no shortage of people in the Bayer office, and a casting call for conductor was announced. It was won by Wiktoria Pagieła , a graduate of the Gdańsk Academy of Music, and so, in 2018, the Bayer employee choir was formed. Less than a year later, it transformed into the choir of the entire Olivia Centre. Of course, we can do more together. He was joined by singing employees, AirHelp, Energa, GFKM, Nordea, Olivia Centre, PwC, Sii, Talkers and Thyssenkrupp.

Debut

The Olivia Business Centre Choir (as it was then called) made its debut on 25 April 2019 during the Easter Concert of the Olivia Camerata series. He presented three pieces:

  • „Oh Happy Day” Dona Howarda,
  • „Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, klasyczną balladę napisaną przez Harolda Arlena i E.Y. Harburga do filmu „Czarnoksiężnik z Oz” z 1939 roku,
  • „Can’t help folling in love” Elvisa Presleya z 1969 roku.

Let us just remind you that this Camerata began with a recital by Krystyna Gedzik and Ulyana Hedzik. We heard the greatest hits of jazz, gospel and folk. The finale was the performance of the Vita Activa orchestra, which has performed nearly 300 concerts in Poland and abroad. The orchestra has been operating since 1995 at the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities Koło in Gdańsk. The artists performed works by G.F. Händel, J. Offenbach, M. Mussorgsky, A. Pizzolli, I. Rekhin, G. Scherterberger, S. Joplin, J. Kandler, Q. Jones, arranged for percussion orchestra.

All That Jazz

We couldn’t forget that evening for a long time. Olivia Camerata: All That Jazz resounded with dozens of voices on September 14, 2019. The camerat’s repertoire abounded in everything that was rocking and energizing. The concert at Olivia Star was opened by Alexander Stupnikov, an artist and composer from the Schibsted company. He made one of the most outstanding works Frédéric Chopin “Fantaisie impromptu, op. cit. 66” and original works: “Polka in F major ” and “Autumn Waltz”. The second part featured the long-applauded Olivia Business Centre Choir, while the third part was a real jazz feast. We listened to an amazing swing performed by Krystyna Durys and the jazz band accompanying the vocalist.

The choir presented the following novelties:

  • „El ultimo Cafe” (tango) muz. Hector Stamponi
  • „Prende la Vela” muz. Lucho Bermundez (tenor solo: Hamish Potts, perkusja: Katarzyna Rozkosz)
  • „Volare” muz. Domenico Modugno

 

 

Sweet dreams

Although the pandemic interrupted live meetings and rehearsals, it did not prevent online musical contacts. Yes, it was difficult. Yes, it was a challenge, but there is nothing difficult for those who want to. Where there is passion, extraordinary things are born. And so, during the pandemic, the choir rehearsed and recorded – completely remotely – ” Sweet Dreams” by Eurythics. Let’s relive it.

And there’s a music video!

We will end this “episode” of mini-stories about our choir by reminding you of the first music video in the history of Olivia and the history of our choir. It was the big launch of spring 2020. “Seasons of Love ” from the Broadway musical “Rent”, written and composed by Jonathan Larson, was performed and presented by the Olivia Business Centre Choir on May 26. It’s no coincidence that we chose this day as the release date. It was a special day, Mother’s Day. And it is to mothers that this premiere is dedicated.

 

To be continued…

 


Honorary Partner: Bayer

Partner: Lyreco