On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Polish premiere of Krzysztof Penderecki’s St. Luke Passion, the composition will be performed on April 24, 2016 at the Krakow Philharmonic.

The form of Penderecki’s Passion is the subject of extensive scholarly and critical commentary. The composer introduces archaic melodic elements that go back further than the Baroque, to Dutch motet polyphony and Venetian polychorality. There are also perceptible jazz inspirations and sections in which choir members talk, try to shout down one another, laugh, sigh or whistle and recall Hasidic prayers that the composer heard as a child.

(source: www.ninateka.pl)

The composition, premiered on March 30, 1966, was comissioned by the Westdeutscher Rundfunk on the 700th anniversary of the Münster Cathedral’s foundation. This year also marked the millenial anniversary of Poland’s baptism. It was first performed in Poland on April 22, 1966 by Stefania Woytowicz, Andrzej Hiolski, Bernard Ładysz, Leszek Herdegen and Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir under Henryk Czyż.

Performers:

Iwona Hossa - soprano

Mariusz Godlewski - baritone

Piotr Nowacki - bass

Krzysztof Gosztyła - recitation

Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra, Choir and Boys’ Choir Charles

Olivieri-Munroe - conductor

Teresa Majka-Pacanek - choirmaster

Lidia Matynian - Boys’ Choir preparation

Tickets available on-line at: www.filharmonia.krakow.pl