Krzysztof Penderecki

Hitting the right note! Hauntingly beautiful Górecki performance tops UK classical music charts

In this new album, Gibbons moves into new territory: Górecki’s hauntingly beautiful 'Symphony', composed in 1976. Sung by a soprano in Polish, its three parts are based on a 15th Century lament, a message written on the wall of a Gestapo cell during the Second World War and a Silesian folk song. Beth Gibbons/YouTube

Conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki and performed by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the album released on 29th March sees Portishead lead singer Beth Gibbons mastering the tricky soprano piece in Polish.

One of Europe’s most preeminent 20th century composers, Witold Lutosławski died of cancer 25 years ago

With his signature works including four symphonies and a Concerto for Orchestra, there are few Poles who influenced world music as Lutosławski did. Before dying of cancer he was awarded Poland’s highest honour, the Order of the White Eagle.

Penderecki and Portishead singer Beth Gibbons release stunning recording of Górecki’s haunting Symphony No. 3

The project, which is due for release in March, dates back to 2013, when Portishead was playing at the Sacrum Profanum festival in Nowa Huta, Kraków. The promoter suggested that Gibbons could sing the “Symphony”.

Polish composer honoured with German federal decoration

German Ambassador Rolf Nikel decorated a renowned Polish contemporary composer, Krzysztof Penderecki, with the Great Cross of Merit with the Star of the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of the composer's 85th birthday on Friday.

That’s some party! Penderecki celebrates 85th birthday with marathon week-long concert

Described by the Guardian newspaper as Poland’s greatest living composer, Penderecki has attracted famous artists from across the globe to perform with Polish orchestras as part of the nine-concert celebration.

Penderecki festival to be held in Warsaw in November

Nine concerts will comprise the Krzysztof Penderecki Festival to be held in Warsaw on November 16-23, which will serve to celebrate the artist's 85th birthday.

‘Pop stars’ of classical music descend on Warsaw for 14th International Festival Chopin and His Europe

The festival at Warsaw’s National Opera House, which will last to the end of August, includes 50 concerts that will see 91 soloists and 18 ensembles perform 240 pieces, including several commissioned specially for the festival.

Penderecki’s St Luke’s Passion opens Salzburg Festival to rapturous applause

The performance met with a nine-minute standing ovation and critical accolades.

Fascinating exhibition tells the story of Poland’s avant-garde music scene

To outsiders it may have seemed more mental than experimental, but for those in the know it was the cradle of musical innovation and experimentation

Polish composer's masterpiece to open Salzburg Festival

St. Luke Passion by a renowned Polish contemporary composer, Krzysztof Penderecki, will open the 98th Salzburg Festival, one of Europe's most important summer music festivals, to be held on July 20 - August 30.

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