On October 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the New Music Orchestra conducted by Szymon Bywalec, will perform at NOSPR (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra) in a program titled "Nature, Water, Forest / Meditative Music and Exploring New Spaces of Communication." The concert will feature the premiere of Katarzyna Szwed's composition "Ja, Puszcza. Requiem", which addresses contemporary ecological issues.

The piece reflects the composer’s grief, fear, and anger regarding the destruction of wild nature. It includes performances by three soloists — Julianna Bloodgood, Rhianna Compton, and Olga Kunicka — who will use white voice singing, a style that, according to Szwed, emphasizes the raw and direct nature of the message. As Szwed explains:

"The work expresses my mourning, horror, and rage over what is happening to the wilderness. The Amazon may disappear in our children's lifetimes. Species of beautiful, innocent animals are vanishing forever. Something in me deeply demanded writing a requiem for the innocent beauty that is being lost, largely due to our ignorance."

The concert will also include other significant works: Appendix by Paweł Szymański, for piccolo and chamber orchestra, with Alicja Molitorys on piccolo, Rain Coming by Tōru Takemitsu, for chamber orchestra, Regenstück by Peter Ablinger, for ensemble, water, and membranes.

The composition Ja, Puszcza. Requiem was funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, through the Culture Promotion Fund, as part of the Composers' Commissions program implemented by the National Institute of Music and Dance.

Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC

Ticket information: https://nospr.org.pl/pl/kalendarz/moj-karnet-natura-woda-puszcza-muzyka-medytacyjna-i-poszukuj