World-renowned composer Krzysztof Penderecki is the special guest of the Contemporary Music Festival 2002. The event runs today through Sunday and is co-sponsored by the Ohio State School of Music and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
Penderecki, born in Debica, Poland, is conducting the CSO and several OSU music ensembles in numerous concerts of his music, including two U.S. premieres. The concerts take place both on campus and downtown.
One of the most widely discussed and esteemed composers of his time, Penderecki has developed his own compositional style. From the avant-garde of the 1960s to the present day, Penderecki’s style has reflected the evolution of new music while preserving his own talent.
Penderecki’s works include “Emanations,” “Strophen” and “Threnody” (To the Victims of Hiroshima), which have positioned him at the forefront of the avant-garde. His humanistic message combines an experimental and expressionistic use of sound.
Penderecki’s reputation as a conductor, as well as a composer, is known internationally. He has conducted orchestras in France, Germany, England, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and America.
Today’s concert begins at 8 p.m. in Weigal Auditorium. “Chamber Music of Krzysztof Penderecki” includes the U.S. premiere of “Sextett.”
“Compositions by OSU Faculty, Students and Alumni Composer,” takes place at 8 p.m. tomorrow in Weigel Auditorium. Both concerts are ticketed events and cost $12 for general admission, $10 for OSU faculty, staff and alumni association members, $5 for senior citizens and free for OSU students with ID.
Tickets are available at the door or by calling 292-2300.
Columbus Symphony Orchestra, along with guest conductor Penderecki and violinist Charles Wetherbee, perform concerts both Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus. The concerts include: “Penderecki: Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra,” “Threnody (To the Victims of Hiroshima)” and “Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor.”
For ticket information call the CSO box office at 228-8600.
Wrapping up the five-day music festival is “The Music of Penderecki.” This final concert takes place Sunday at 3 p.m. in Weigel Auditorium. Penderecki guest conducts music including the U.S. premiere of “Lucerne Fanfare,” as well as “Pittsburgh Overture,” “Agnus Dei,” “Strophen” and “De Natura Sonoris no. 2.”
Tickets for this event are available at the door or by calling 292-2300.
