The Kapela reemigrancka band

The Kapela reemigrancka band is a continuation of traditional music-making started by the Zespół Śpiewaczy and Kapela z Ocic bands in 1978. Members of the original Kapela were descendants of Polish remigrants who moved from Galicia to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and then came back to settle near Bolesławiec, Lower Silesia, after World War Two. Today, the only remaining member of the original Kapela is Edward Braszko (in the picture) who devoted the past few years (2022-2024) to renovating the instruments and training the young generation to carry on the musical traditions.

Kapela’s repertoire includes mazurkas and polkas brought from Galicia, as well as the kolo and taraban melodies learned in the Balkans. Sometimes Kapela also sings along, both songs from the Balkans and Polish melodies, in unison or using characteristic remigrant polyphony.
As an exception, Anton Korolev will play the bugarija instead of Edward Braszko, Franciszek Wiśniewski will play the berd, Maria Stępień – first violin, Marta Derejczyk – second, Joanna Skowrońska – drum.