Music is a significant part of Polish culture; an everyday part of life. Poland's greatest composer was Frederic Chopin, whose work reflects the Polish national spirit and brings the romanticism of that era to modern day. Since 1927, the Chopin International Piano Competition has been held every five years in Warsaw, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. Also in the 19th century were Stanislaw Moniuszko, who composed the first national opera, 'Halka', in 1847, and the violinist-composer Henryk Wieniawski. Christmas carols and plays are elaborate productions, featuring old-time pastoral piping instruments. Poland also provides fertile ground for stage performers and playwrights. "Avant-garde" theatre productions are said to be some of the best in Europe.

During any given month in a mid-sized town, you will have several opportunities to attend concerts or stage productions. Each year, several vital music and cultural events are organised in Zakopane attracting artists from Poland and around the world, including the International Festival of Mountain Folklore, the Festival of Classical Music, reviews of regional folklore groups and ensembles. As such, Poles treat these events as special occasions and dress elegantly when attending the theatre or a concert.