The "Katopolis" science-and-music show officially inaugurated the celebrations of the European City of Science Katowice 2024 on the evening of Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Spodek Arena in Katowice. Approximately 8,000 people attended the event.
The "Katopolis" show was inaugurated by Mayor of Katowice Marcin Krupa, Ph.D., who thanked university Rectors for their collaboration in organizing this very special event. Following that, Prof. Mike Berners-Lee, an expert in sustainable development and climate change, emphasized science's significant role in contemporary global challenges.
Statements from the Rectors of higher education institutions associated with the Academic Consortium Katowice – City of Science were featured on large screens. Her Magnificence Rector Prof. Celina M. Olszak, Ph.D., D.Sc., highlighted that true wealth lies in science, skills, and knowledge answering the question "What is wealth?".
The show’s artistic program included modern arrangements of musical compositions such as "Nim wstanie dzień" by Edmund Fetting, "Syreny" by Artur Rojek, and "Psalm stojących w kolejce" by Krystyna Prońko. Krzysztof Zalewski performed his song "Zabawa" and then "Mamona" by Republika, Natalia Grosiak presented "Operacja na otwartym sercu," and Julia Pietrucha sang "Celina." Piotr Rogucki sang "Vademecum skauta," while Mela Koteluk performed the song "O mój Śląsku" by Jan Skrzek.
The stage at Spodek also featured choirs and orchestras from Silesian universities, including the Student Song and Dance Ensemble "Katowice" of the University of Silesia in Katowice, Cieszyn Brass Orchestra of the University of Silesia in Katowice, "Harmonia" Choir of the University of Silesia, the Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology, and our Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice!
The musical part was interspersed with performances by actors that referenced the culture and history of the region. Actors from the Silesian Theatre dedicated to Stanisław Wyspiański, the Entertainment Theatre in Chorzów, and the Korez Theatre graced the stage.
The event was attended by representatives of government and local authorities, higher education institutions, the academic community, as well as residents of the city.
The show was prepared by creators associated with the academic environment, including researchers from Katowice universities, actors from regional theaters, and artists from the Polish music scene, including university choirs and musical groups. The overall project, including musical, textual, and directorial aspects, was overseen by Miuosh, Jan P. Matuszyński, Zbigniew Rokita, and Mateusz Znaniecki.
At the Spodek mezzanine, our University also set up a promotional booth, attracting significant interest from visitors. Questions from candidates were answered by, among others, Vice-Rector for Education and International Relations, Prof. Sławomir Smyczek, Ph.D., and employees of the Marketing Center. Our Chancellor, Paweł Kadłubiak, also visited the booth.
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