Credo in Rome

On 1 April 2025, Krzysztof Penderecki’s Credo was performed at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The special concert marked two significant anniversaries: the fifth anniversary of the composer’s death and the twentieth anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

This monumental work was performed by soloists, the orchestra and the choirs of the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków under the baton of Maciej Tworek, Krzysztof Penderecki’s long-serving assistant and close collaborator.

Krzysztof Penderecki and Karol Wojtyła shared a deep connection through Kraków, a mutual respect and a friendship that endured for many years. Their meetings and conversations continued even after Wojtyła was elected Pope. Their relationship also found expression in music: Penderecki dedicated his Te Deum to Pope John Paul II, while the memory of the Pope was later honoured in his Polish Requiem.

The performance of Credo in Rome celebrated the spiritual and artistic legacy of these two remarkable figures. Taking place just days after the anniversary of Penderecki’s death and on the eve of the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s passing, the concert became a symbolic meeting point of their lives, ideas and shared values.

Sacred music occupies a central place in Krzysztof Penderecki’s oeuvre. Scored for five soloists, two choirs and orchestra, Credo is among his most important large-scale vocal works.

First performed in 1998, the work combines a monumental musical language with a profound reflection on faith, suffering, hope and redemption. Its performance in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome brought these themes into a setting of exceptional spiritual and historical resonance.

The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. Dating back to the fifth century, it is among the most significant churches in the Christian world, renowned for its rich history, architecture and enduring religious tradition.

The performance of Credo in this remarkable setting lent the occasion particular significance. Penderecki’s score, performed by large-scale forces within the basilica’s sacred space, created an event of both artistic distinction and symbolic importance.

The soloists were:

• Iwona Hossa – soprano

• Natalia Rubiś – soprano

• Anna Lubańska – mezzo-soprano

• Adam Zdunikowski – tenor

• Łukasz Konieczny – bass

The performance featured the Orchestra, Boys' Choir and Mixed Choir of the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków. The choirs were prepared by Piotr Piwko.

The performance was conducted by Maciej Tworek, who worked closely with Krzysztof Penderecki for many years and has a deep understanding of the composer’s musical language.

The concert was conceived and produced by Andrzej Giza, Director of the Ludwig van Beethoven Association. The idea grew out of the 2023 performance of Credo in Warsaw, presented to mark the 90th anniversary of Krzysztof Penderecki’s birth.

The Rome performance brought together the commemoration of Krzysztof Penderecki and Pope John Paul II within a single event, while also showcasing Polish musical culture in one of the Eternal City’s most significant historic and sacred landmarks.

The concert was organised and produced by the Ludwig van Beethoven Association in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to the Holy See.

The following institutions also contributed to the project:

• Małopolska Region

• City of Kraków

• Adam Mickiewicz Institute

• Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music

• Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków

• Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków

• Church and Hospice of St Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr in Rome

The project's principal patron was PKN ORLEN.

The performance of Credo in Rome was conceived as a special commemorative event. Presented on 1 April 2025, it marked the completion of the project, which was intended as a one-off occasion rather than the first in a series.