Festiwal Krzysztofa Pendereckiego

Krzysztof Penderecki - eminent Polish composer and conductor. Born on 23 November 1933 in Dębica, he has been connected to Kraków since 1951. Penderecki gained international fame as a composer thanks to the original sound of his works, which required unconventional techniques (Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, Polymorphia, Fluorescences). In 1966 he completed the St Luke Passion, which brought him world renown, and initiated a trail of success. His works from the 1970s and 1980s, notably Te Deum and A Polish Requiem, have become symbols of freedom in art. Penderecki is one of the world’s most highly esteemed artists. Recipient of numerous Polish and foreign awards, including the Grammy (1987, 1998, 1998, 2000, 2016), he holds honorary doctorates from several dozen universities, is an honorary member of major artistic and scientific academies, as well as being an honorary professor at many prestigious artistic universities. Recipient of the highest state decorations from Poland and other countries, including the Order of the White Eagle of Poland. In the 1970s, the composer took the baton into his hand and began to conduct leading symphony orchestras in the United States and Europe. Apart from his own works, he conducts symphonic pieces by artists from different periods. Penderecki’s works are certainly among the most impressive achievements of Polish and global culture. The artist himself is a great aficionado of trees, the mind behind the park and arboretum in Lusławice, teacher, and initiator of the European Centre for Music: an international campus dedicated to young artists. During his 60 years of activity, Penderecki has composed over 150 pieces, including 20 chamber works, 18 solo compositions, 25 concerts, 27 works for orchestra, 7 symphonies, 21 songs and choral works, 25 cantatas and oratorios, and 4 operas. Besides these he has written over 120 pieces for animated films, puppet, stage and TV theatre, and for feature and documentary films.