Award for Krzysztof Penderecki

On Monday in Florence, composer Krzysztof Penderecki received a prestigious award from the Italian Nuovi Eventi Musicali (NEM) association. The composer’s two-day visit to Florence and a concert in this city was considered a great event.
The presentation ceremony was held at the Hall of Good Humour (Sala del Buonumore) of the former Benedictine Convent, known as The Coenaculum of St Apollonia.
Penderecki was introduced as one of the greatest living musical giants. Recently, Italian critics and newspapers wrote rave reviews of Penderecki’s joint recording with Radiohead rock guitarist Jonny Greenwood. The Polish composer also referred to this album in Florence:
“Thanks to Radiohead I found a new audience at almost 80. This experience gave me a new life.”
The composer also recalled the times of Communist Poland. “They refused to give me a passport. I read in the paper about a competition, the award being a visit to the West. I composed three works under three different names and won everything. Thanks to this I could travel, also to Italy," he said, after which he added: “I travelled around Italy during the nights, because I had no money for hotels.”
The NEM award has been conferred since 2006 to the greatest personalities of contemporary music and art.
The Polish composer’s visit also includes an open concert rehearsal, a meeting with young musicians from Florence, and a Tuesday concert of his works.