Thanks to the unique acoustics the Concert Hall was opened in Sophia Cathedral in 1983. Over the years, it became widely known outside Polotsk, as well as Belarus and gained the fame as one of the best concert halls in Europe.
In 1985, the organ music was first heard in the Cathedral. Made to a special order by the Czech company “Rieger Kloss” the organ of Sophia Cathedral is unconditionally recognized by the music community as the best concert instrument in Belarus.
The concert hall of Sophia Cathedral received world recognition thanks to annual international musical projects: in March-April, the International Festival of Old and Modern Chamber Music is held here, in November - the International Festival of Organ Music “Zvany Safii”.
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF OLD AND MODERN CHAMBER MUSIC (until 1991 - the All-Union Festival of Old and Modern Chamber Music) was held in 1988. Up til now, the event remains one of the most outstanding in the musical history of modern Belarus.
Over the years, the Festival held in Polotsk has gained its face and has taken a special place in the cultural life of Belarus. Belorussian and foreign professional and amateur groups, solo performers, awarded for their achievements with titles and diplomas of international competitions and festivals, proudly perform on the famous Polotsk stage, invariably admiring the beauty and grandeur of the most ancient temple of Belarus and the unique acoustics of Sophia Cathedral.
Since 2015, the Open Regional Children's Piano Competition “J. S. Bach and the 21st Century” is held as a part of the Festival. It is the only competition in Vitebsk Region in the nomination “piano solo”.
The International Festival of Old and Modern Chamber Music contributes to the popularization of performing skills in the field of chamber music, the connections establishment between Belarusian and foreign musicians. It also preserves the traditions of chamber music making on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ORGAN MUSIC “ZVANY SAFII” has long been included in the annual calendar of cultural events in Belarus as one of the most striking musical projects, that makes Polotsk the center of world organ performance. The idea of holding the Organ Festival in Polotsk belongs to the soloist of the Concert Hall Ksenia Pogorelaya.
The First International Festival of Organ Music “Zvany Safii” started on November 15, 1996 with a performance by an outstanding Austrian organist, Professor Johann Trummer.
Over the long history of the project, masters of organ art from 23 countries took part in it. Polotsk organ has impressed musicians and listeners with its unusual voice, which beauty and depth are emphasized by the unique acoustics of Sophia Cathedral.
The Festival “Zvany Safii” is aimed at popularizing performing skills, promoting the classical heritage of organ music composers of the past centuries and modern times, presenting the organ culture of different countries and the development of international ties.
One of the best concert halls in Europe, located in a unique architectural monument, is a very significant and attractive cultural site for both residents and numerous guests of the city, as well as for performers from around the world who strive to perform in Sophia Cathedral, appreciating the atmosphere reigning in the hall and its unique acoustics.