The Patron
Professor Dr h.c. mult. Krzysztof Penderecki
(23 November 1933 – 29 March 2020)
Legendary composer of outstanding oratorio and symphonic works, conductor. As a relatively unknown young composer, he won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes at the Young Composers’ Competition of the Polish Composers’ Union. In 1961, he received the award for Threnody “To the Victims of Hiroshima” (Polish: Tren „Ofiarom Hiroszimy) for 52 string instruments (1959-61) at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. Initially recognised as the author of outstanding works representing the so-called Polish sonorism of the 1960s, then also as the composer of great vocal and instrumental works, stage works and symphonies. There is also another, passionately cultivated current in K. Penderecki’s work, namely chamber music.
We are proud to have had the privilege of living and working with Maestro Krzysztof Penderecki. Many of us had the opportunity to draw on his extraordinary experience in personal contact with him, during lectures and meetings, and above all in active contact with his work and reflection.