Marta Ptaszyńska, distinguished Polish composer and Helen B. and Frank L. Sulzberger Professor Emerita at the University of Chicago, will return to the UChicago campus on April 10 as a featured speaker for the Robert and Anne Gomer Lecture series. Titled “Imaginary Landscapes—Music of Marta Ptaszyńska,” the composer will discuss her most recent large scale symphonic works. The title of the lecture is taken directly from one of Ptaszyńska’s recent compositions, Imaginary Landscapes, a five-movement virtuoso work in the form of a concerto for orchestra. Imaginary Landscapes was world-premiered almost exactly one year ago on March 17, 2023, by the Świetokrzyska Philharmonic in Kielce under the baton of Jacek Rogala.
Other works that the composer will discuss include Three Visions After Dante, another concertante work scored for saxophones, piano and large symphony orchestra. This work was world premiered on November 30, 2023, at the stunning new NOSPR concert hall in Katowice, with NOSPR led by Bas Wiegers.
Marta Ptaszyńska’s lecture will also cover her Concerto No. 1 for Flute and Chamber Orchestra and the Concerto for Accordion that also bears an evocative title, “Magic Voyage.” According to the composer, “All these works were written during the last four years. I will be talking about the interesting genesis of each work as well as of my compositional ideas and different techniques applied in each composition. But the big part of my lecture will be devoted to the listening of these works.” With such an introduction, it seems certain that Ptaszyńska’s lecture at the University of Chicago will be a magical voyage indeed.
Wednesday, April 10, 2023 | 11:30 a.m.
Gomer Lecture series: “Imaginary Landscapes—Music of Marta Ptaszyńska”
University of Chicago Emeriti Center
5555 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Lunch will be provided. RSVP required: https://uchicagoprovostsoffice.wufoo.com/forms/mvvktxv1keqn1r/
For any questions or additional information on accessibility and accommodations in place for this event, please contact Sarah. C. Willis at swillis80@uchicago.edu
[Source: press release]