"Wratislavia Cantans" is one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe and takes place in the beautiful city of Wroclaw and the surrounding area of Lower Silesia. For over forty years the festival has celebrated vocal and choral music of all kinds and has been a showcase for outstanding performing artists from all over the world. The programme of the 46th edition (2-18 September 2011) is built around three different themes. The first, Saints and Sinners, will take listeners into the world of the Middle Ages. Story telling is one theme, with Teatr Węgajty recreating the great liturgical drama Ludus Danielis, and Benjamin Bagby taking the role of bard in his acclaimed version of the epic narrative Beowulf. The Orlando Consort will also look at music of the courtly tradition. The most extended theme takes its cue from Penderecki's eighth symphony Songs of Transience, and explores the huge repertoire of music reflecting on the temporal nature of our life, and the passing on to another world; the death of great polish composer Henryk Górecki will be commemorated by a performance of his Symphony No. 3; two renowned choirs, the Gabrieli Consort, and the younger Stile Antico will perform choral programmes around the themes of Media Vita and Songs of Farewell. The 10th anniversary of the New York September 11 atrocities will be recalled in a performance given by the new Wrocław Festival Orchestra which will include reflective music by Howells, Barber, and Elgar's magnificent first symphony. This new orchestra is led by Artistic Director Paul McCreesh; it comprises some of Wrocław’s and Poland's finest musicians alongside international guest artists and outstanding young polish musicians. Additionally there will be a series of late night concerts featuring solo unaccompanied instruments in some of Wroclaw's most beautiful churches; Pieter Wispelwey will play Britten, Rachel Podger will play Bach, Henning Kraggerud will play Ysaÿe, and the Festival is delighted to welcome Gustav Leonhardt the legendary harpsichordist. The theme of the Festival’s final week is Biblical Heroes. Felix Mendelssohn’s masterpiece Elijah will close the Festival, as acclaimed soloists, the Gabrieli Consort & Players and Wrocław Philharmonic Choir join forces under the baton of Artistic Director.