Eminent Polish composerand conductor. Born on 23 November 1933 inDębica, he has been connected to Kraków since 1951.Penderecki gained international fame as a composerthanks to the original sound of his works, whichrequired unconventional techniques (Threnodyto the Victims of Hiroshima, Polymorphia,Fluorescences). In 1966 he completed the St LukePassion, which brought him world renown, and initiateda trail of success. His works from the 1970s and 1980s,notably Te Deum and A Polish Requiem, have becomesymbols of freedom in art.Penderecki is one of the world’s most highly esteemedartists. Recipient of numerous Polish and foreignawards, including the Grammy (1987, 1998, 1998, 2000,2016), he holds honorary doctorates fromseveral dozen universities, is an honorary memberof major artistic and scientific academies, as well asbeing an honorary professor at many prestigious artisticuniversities. Recipient of the highest state decorationsfrom Poland and other countries, including the Orderof the White Eagle of Poland.In the 1970s, the composer took the baton intohis hand and began to conduct leading symphonyorchestras in the United States and Europe. Apart fromhis own works, he conducts symphonic pieces by artistsfrom different periods.Penderecki’s works are certainly among the mostimpressive achievements of Polish and global culture.The artist himself is a great aficionado of trees, themind behind the park and arboretum in Lusławice,teacher, and initiator of the European Centre for Music:an international campus dedicated to young artists.During his 60 years of activity, Penderecki hascomposed over 150 pieces, including 20 chamberworks, 18 solo compositions, 25 concerts, 27 worksfor orchestra, 7 symphonies, 21 songs and choralworks, 25 cantatas and oratorios, and 4 operas.Besides these he has written over 120 piecesfor animated films, puppet, stage and TV theatre,and for feature and documentary films.