Krzysztof Penderecki's 75th Birthday Honored by Orchestras Worldwide; World Premiere of String Quartet No. 3 by The Shanghai Quartet in Poland

Krzysztof Penderecki turns 75 this year, and organizations around the globe are honoring him with performances of his music. The Philadelphia Orchestra led by conductor Charles Dutoit performs Concerto Grosso No.1, featuring cellists Han-Na Chang, Daniel Müller-Schott, and Arto Noras on October 10, 11, and 14. In addition to these performances, The Philadelphia Orchestra presents an all-Penderecki chamber concert on October 12, featuring the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra performing solo and ensemble works.

Across the pond, The Shanghai Quartet premieres Penderecki's String Quartet No.3 at the Krzysztof Penderecki Festival in Warsaw, Poland on November 21. The Shanghai Quartet also performs the US premiere on February 21, 2009 at Montclair State University, where they are the Ensemble-in-Residence. The Penderecki Festival lasts from November 20 through 23 and consists of eight performances of over twenty chamber, orchestral and choral works with Penderecki himself often appearing as guest conductor. The Berlin University of the Arts also honors Penderecki with a free concert of his chamber music on November 23, with an introduction by musicologist Antoni Buchner and simultaneous radio broadcast.

For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra's Penderecki events, visit www.philorch.org.

To learn more on the Penderecki Festival in Warsaw, Poland, click here.

Krzysztof Penderecki
Concerto Grosso No. 1 (2000-2001)
for three cellos and orchestra
2 (2.pic)2(2.ca)2(2.eb cl)bcl.2(2.cbsn)-4231-timp.3perc-hp.cel-str(14.12.10.8.6)
35'