The Maestro at the Philharmonic’s Construction Site. Jerusalem in Szczecin and a Fanfare for the New Venue
My first encounter with Professor Krzysztof Penderecki’s oeuvre was as a music school student, when quite by chance I came across his Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima. The piece had a huge impact on my outlook on music and my later choices; it was the start of a long journey of discovery, into the world of contemporary music. (...) During his stay in Szczecin, the Professor was, I believe, one of the first to visit the new Philharmonic building. He was, I can recall, very sparing in his opinions as he walked across these empty places resounding with the noise of construction work. Still, he remembered about us. Though unable to be present himself at the opening ceremony, he composed, specially for this occasion (despite his invariably numerous commissions and tours) a Fanfare that opened the inaugural concert in 2014. Another event that will always stay in my memory was the performance of his famous Seven Gates of Jerusalem, a great work that illuminated our golden concert hall and left us speechless and enchanted. It was a magic time and an unrepeatable event. I will remember those few days filled with warmth and simple talk of family, holidays, new trips – and the Maestro’s extraordinary sense of humour.
Dorota Serwa, Director of the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin