An Evening with Krzysztof Penderecki Chamber Works and Conversation with the Composer in New York

The Polish Cultural Institute New York together with Symphony Space and radio WQXR-Q2 joins the world celebration of Krzysztof Penderecki\'s 80th birthday. The composer will appear in person at Symphony Space for a live broadcast hosted by WQXR-Q2\'s Helga Davis, with performances by the Penderecki String Quartet, Ensemble Pi, Matthew Lipman, Jay Campbell, and by musicians from the Yale School of Music: Nathan Lesser, violin; Colin Brookes, viola; Alan Ohkubo, cello; and Eric Anderson, clarinet. The event is presented as part of Symphony Spaces In the Salon series.

Penderecki\'s music is stunningly original and refreshingly accessible. Celebrated for his large-scale compositions, his chamber works reflect changes in his style of writing. Capriccio for Siegfried Palm (1968) written for the German avant-garde cellist, includes unusual notation, free rhythm without a metric framework, and numerous extended techniques that create a spectacle of sound and activity. Cadenza for solo viola (1984), unites his early avantgardism with the romantic gestures of his second period. Sextet (2000) for Clarinet, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano explores many textures and instrumental combinations within the ensemble, while providing virtuosic opportunities for each instrument. Quartet No. 3 (2008) is infused with the rich tonal palette that has made Penderecki one of the world\'s most innovative and exceptional composers. The work is in part an autobiographical work, containing motifs pertaining to the composer\'s childhood, including a Hutsul folk melody.Penderecki described his Clarinet Quartet (1993) as a meeting of four close friends, all of whom have something to say. But since they know each other so well, nothing has to be said too plainly. The seventeen-minute work consists of four movements, progressing toward the final Larghetto, which in its melancholy is reminiscent of Schubert\'s String Quintet, which inspired this piece.

Other US events honoring the composer include New York Philharmonic performances directed by Charles Dutoit of Concerto Grosso No.1 for three cellos and orchestra in October. On December 14, Anne-Sophie Mutter will present a Penderecki world premiere at Carnegie Hall, and the Yale School of Music will present Symphony no. 2 and Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima on November 1, with the composer conducting. The Warsaw Penderecki Festival will take place from November 17-23, with ten concerts and more than thirty-five compositions including Symphony No. 4 performed by Sinfonia Varsovia led by Lorin Maazel, all quartets performed by the Shanghai Quartet, and Credo conducted by Valery Gergiev.

Q2 Music is WQXR\'s online music station dedicated to contemporary classical composers, innovative ensembles, and vibrant, live webcasts from New York City\'s leading new-music venues. Q2 Music, a live 24/7 music stream available at www.wqxr.org/q2music and a free WQXR app, includes immersive festivals, insightful commentary from hosts and composers, full-length album streams, interviews with trend-setting artists, and events at The Greene Space at WQXR.

Friday, October 25, 2013, 7:30 PM
Symphony Space
Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater
2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY

Tickets:
$32; $27 members, $20 under 30 (with valid ID), available online

Program:
String Quartet No. 3 - The Penderecki String Quartet (Canada)
Sextette  - Ensemble Pi
Cadenza - Matthew Lipman, viola
Capriccio - Jay Campbell, cello

Quartet for clarinet and strings - musicians from the Yale School of Music: Nathan Lesser, violin; Colin Brookes, viola; Alan Ohkubo, cello; and Eric Anderson, clarinet.

Presented by Symphony Space in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York and WQXR-Q2. With support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.