“… He [Chmura] had idiomatic affinity for Moniuszko and wide experience of opera generally, all of which shows in an expertly paced performance. The orchestral playing is warm, the dances exhilarating … highly recommendable.”

Opera category - Nominee

“… Any opera lover, Polish or not, should derive a lot of pleasure from this recording.”

“…Gabriel conducts the revised four-act version of the opera for Naxos. In Lukasz Golinski he has a vocally excellent, expressive baritone for the role of Janusz. Soprano Magdalena Molendowska sings the role of Halka with character and commitment… Tenor Dominik Sutowicz sings Jontek with impressive power, but can also convince with fine cantilenas. The other roles are satisfactorily cast for the most part. Good performances also come from the opera choir from Poznan as well as from the orchestra of this house, conducted with inspiration by Gabriel Chmura. The passion and tragedy of the opera are expressed just as surely as the folk character of dances and choruses. In the many ensemble scenes, Chmura holds the reins tightly in his hand and ensures perfectly balanced music-making. ****