“Towards a Meeting” for Krzysztof Penderecki

Composers Krzysztof Penderecki and Andrei Eshpai became the first laureates of the “Towards a Meeting” award, founded jointly by Poland’s Senate and Russia’s Federation Council. The award was conferred on Thursday, 2 June, during the Third Polish-Russian Forum of Regions in Skolkovo near Moscow.
The laureates received the award from the Speaker of the Senate, Bogdan Borusewicz and the First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, Alexander Torshin. A string quartet, which performed the works of both composers, added splendour to the ceremony.
On conferring the statuette, Borusewicz indicated that it is modelled on Andrei Rublev’s painting presenting three angels. “Hearts are clearly visible in the wings of these angels. This is our thanks to Mr Krzysztof Penderecki and Andrei Eshpai for what they did, but also for what they will do in the future,” said the Speaker.
On behalf of Krzysztof Penderecki, the award was accepted by his wife, Elżbieta Penderecka. The composer was in Budapest during the same time. Elżbieta Penderecka emphasized that her husband was surprised but very happy to receive the award.
The chapter of the award includes representatives of the Senate’s Polish-Russian Parliamentary Group and representatives of the Friendship Group from Russia’s Federation Council. Starting from 2011, the “Towards a Meeting” award will be conferred annually for activities which bring the Polish and Russian nations together. The aim of the award is to appreciate the achievements, and to effectively promote people and institutions whose activities make outstanding contributions to bringing the Polish and Russian nations together.
Work for social and charitable causes, academic, research and scientific achievements, and activities supporting the development of civil society in both countries will be awarded.