Cracow's Philharmonic Orchestra was the first of its kind in Poland and it will celebrate its 60th anniversary in February 2005. The building was originally constructed as a Catholic Assembly Hall by Prince Adam Sapieha, the defiant Archbishop of Cracow who allegedly served Nazi Governor Hans Frank a bowl of cold porridge. It was not until 1945 that the neo-baroque building was made the home of the newly formed Cracow Philharmonic. Since then the institution has flourished. There is a constant flow of fine concerts, and the Hall is a regular host to international stars, not least Nigel Kennedy, who is an honorary director and fully fledged Cracow nut. The building is located a stone's throw from the Old Town Centre, just west of the Plantry Gardens.
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