Kapela Byrtków
from Pewel Wielka
One of the few authentic highlander bands. Edward Byrtek, the most important piper in Żywiec today, and brothers, violin virtuosos – Józef and Władysław are residents of Pewel Wielka. Byrtkowie also appear as soloists, but on some occasions they create a traditional highlander band made of Żywiec bagpipes and violins. They are the continuators of an excellent family tradition, initiated by their father, the legendary violinist self-directed by Karol Byrtek (1907–1989). Along with his brother-in-law – bagpiper Władysław Pluta (1920–1992), sons – Józef (1933), Władysław (1936) and Edward (1944), as well as daughters – singers Krystyna (1952) and Władysława (1956), Karol Byrtek created the Kapela Rodziny Byrtków, which in the 1960s, '70s and' 80s was repeatedly awarded for the authenticity and loyalty of the message in the most prestigious competitions. The band performed in the country and during foreign journeys with the folkloristic groups operating at the time: Beskidy, Jodły and Gronie. An expression of the highest praise for the band Karol Byrtek was the awarding the Oskar Kolberg Award (1984).
Sons are currently playing the same repertoire as their father. Mainly shepherd's melodies, "hajduk", "siustany", horse, roe, "obyrtki". The prominent, late expert on musical folklore from Żywiec, Józef Mikś made musical notes of these melodies and published them in the book "Music of the Żywiec Beskids" to document the old game style preserved only in this area, currently referred to as heterophony (consists of running through violin and bagpipes the melody itself, as allowed by the instrument, skill and musical fantasy of the player). This way of playing brings band new successes. Edward and Władysław are laureates of the Kazimierz on the Vistula festival, and all three brothers have won many individual and group awards at the Festival of Folklore of Polish Highlanders in Żywiec and the Competition for the Play on Unique Folk Instruments in Wieprz near Żywiec. In 2016 were honored with the Oskar Kolberg Award.