‘Perspectives’: Austrian/Mexican/Polish/Italian Premieres

Also on April, a concert of contemporary music organized by the Ensemblage Foundation took place in the Austrian Forum of Culture in Warsaw. The concert was part of the “Perspectives” series, which aims to promote contemporary music and performers specializing in it. The “Perspectives” series is the outcome of the international friendship of members of the young generation…Continue Reading ‘Perspectives’: Austrian/Mexican/Polish/Italian Premieres

Pawlik’s Cantata in Wrocław

The Wrocław Opera will celebrate May 3 Constitution Day with a premiere of Włodek Pawlik’s cantata Myśląc “Ojczyzna” [Thinking “Homeland”], a kind of musical travel through the history of Polish music. According to the composer, “My vocal works describe such historical figures as Mieszko I and Dobrawa, Queen Hedwig, Zawisza Czarny, King Jan III Sobieski and his consort, Marysieńka. But…Continue Reading Pawlik’s Cantata in Wrocław

Łukaszewski World Premiere

On April 27, the premiere of Wings Concerto for two flutes and chamber orchestra by Paweł Łukaszewski took place at the Polish Baltic Philharmonic. Performers included the Fryderyk Chopin Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in Gdańsk, under the baton of Vladimir Kiradijev, with renowned flute soloists Agata Kielar-Długosz and Łukasz Długosz. The Premiere was part of the gala ceremony celebrating the Pomeranian Artistic Awards, during…Continue Reading Łukaszewski World Premiere

Ptaszyńska Premieres

On April 23 and 24, two premieres by Marta Ptaszyńska happened around the world. First at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art on April 23, master percussionist and founding member of Eighth Blackbird Matthew Duvall and guests presented the program “Whisper(s),” an exploration of sound and volume inspired by Merce Cunningham and his collaborating partner, composer John Cage. From the MCA website:…Continue Reading Ptaszyńska Premieres

Zalewski Premiere

On May 12, the Kolberg Świętokrzyskie Philharmonic in Kielce will host the world premiere of a new work they commissioned from their composer-in-residence, Ignacy Zalewski. The work is entitled Concert Overture, and will be paired with Camille Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto (with solo performed by cellist Marcin Zdunik) and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique.” The Świętokrzyskie Philharmonic will be led by…Continue Reading Zalewski Premiere

World Premieres at Musica Electronica Nova

The 8th edition of Musica Electronica Nova – International Festival of Electroacoustic Music (MEN) will take place from May 19-27, 2017, under the subtitle “Identity” at the National Forum of Music (NFM) in Wrocław. Sonosphere III and Sonosphere IV for orchestra and electronics, composed by the artistic director of the festival, Elzbieta Sikora, will be world premiered during the festival by computer and electronic…Continue Reading World Premieres at Musica Electronica Nova

New Paderewski Donation

From Nancy Matulich, we received a booklet entitled “European Press Notices 1899 for Paderewski.” This very interesting and unique publication was found in the contents of an antebellum home in the west bank of New Orleans, in the section of town known as Algiers. The owner of the home is not known. This valuable historical…Continue Reading New Paderewski Donation

Premieres at Warsaw Music Encounters

Co-organized by the Warsaw Branch of the Polish Composers’ Union (ZKP) and Polish Radio Program 2, the 31st edition of Warsaw Music Encounters “Early Music – New Music” will take place from May 6-12, 2017 at various venues in Warsaw.  The annual festival, founded and directed by composer Władysław Słowiński since 1986, presents important early and new…Continue Reading Premieres at Warsaw Music Encounters

Ryterband at LAMOTH

On May 21, the Polish Music Center and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust will present a concert dedicated to Polish composer and Holocaust survivor, Roman Ryterband. Touring Western Europe on the eve of World War II, Ryterband was able to board the last train to Switzerland, where he took refuge until the mid-1950s. Except for…Continue Reading Ryterband at LAMOTH