The artist was due to perform at Thursday evening’s closing concert in the Baltic resort city of Sopot, but fell ill at his hotel while preparing for the show. He died at the age of 66.
In a statement, TVN, the festival’s broadcaster, said: “On 21 August, during the ‘Orchestra of Masters’ concert, we received the sad news of Stanisław Soyka’s death, who was also to perform that evening. Deeply affected by this tragedy and out of respect for the artist and his family, we interrupted the live broadcast. On behalf of all the performers and festival creators, we extend our sincerest condolences to his loved ones.
Although the festival was cut short, the artists present on stage honoured Soyka by performing his iconic song Tolerancja (Tolerance).
„W imieniu organizatorów tego koncertu i stacji TVN chcielibyśmy złożyć wyrazy najserdeczniejszego współczucia rodzinie Pana Stanisława. Łączymy się w bólu i smutku. To dla nas naprawdę bardzo trudny moment”. - powiedział Maciej Dowbor
Opublikowany przez TVN Czwartek, 21 sierpnia 2025
Honouring friends and fellow artists
Polish artists and public figures took to social media to celebrate his life and work.
Composer Krzesimir Dębski wrote: “I cannot come to terms with the fact that my friend Stanisław Soyka has passed away. Over the years, we shared music, the stage, and life. His voice and heart were unique, and his friendship priceless. Staszku, you will remain in me forever. Thank you for every sound, every smile, every moment. Rest in peace.”
Photo: FB/Krzesimir Dębski
Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia described Soyka as a “musical genius,” while a fellow musician recalled their collaborations abroad: “He presented his ‘Roman Triptych’ in the United States and Canada. His kindness, openness, sharp yet warm humour, and musical genius were unforgettable. Where he has gone, the world will now be more beautiful.”
Photo: FB/Szymon Hołownia
Singer Małgorzata Ostrowska expressed her heartbreak: “This is not how you say goodbye… Stanisław Soyka was to perform at the Sopot Festival today, and now comes this terrible news. My heart breaks.”
Photo: FB/Małgorzata Ostrowska
Composer and vocalist Grażyna Łobaszewska added: “Just before 11 p.m., I knew the phone would not ring… and yet I received the worst possible news… that Staszek Soyka… God. In such a moment, nothing feels right, nothing can convey what I feel.”
Photo: FB/Grażyna Łobaszewska
The alternative music star Natalia Grosiak, from Bielawa in south-western Poland and lead vocalist of Micromusic, shared on Instagram that she had been honoured to know the artist and had greatly looked forward to performing with him in Sopot. She also shared a clip from their rehearsal for the planned festival performance.
Soyka, celebrated for his distinctive voice and musical versatility, had also worked internationally, including a notable collaboration with Australian singer Nick Cave, which showcased his ability to bridge Polish and global music scenes.
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Source: PR24/TVN/Facebook.com/Krzesimir Dębski/Szymon Hołownia/Małgorzata Ostrowska/Grażyna Łobaszewska
Instagram/@nataliagrosiak/YouTube.com/@soykamusic