Lutoslawski Centenary 2013 | Philharmonia Orchestra

Our Lutoslawski centenary celebrations continue with two major works of crucial importance. The virtuoso fast-reflexes of the Concerto for Orchestra form a blazing climax to his early period and mark a new fascination with Bartók and the musical potential of indigenous folksong, while the glorious Cello Concerto (1970), commissioned originally by the Royal Philharmonic Society which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, was composed during a time of great political unrest in Poland.

Throughout this series the music of Lutoslawski is paired with that of Debussy and Ravel, both composers whom meant so much to Lutoslawski; and whose delight in colour inspired him throughout his life. Debussy's principal aim in La Mer was 'to create a mysterious harmony between nature and the imagination'; something that clearly had a vital impact on Lutoslawski's own creative thinking.

This performance is preceded by a free pre-concert event at 6pm in the Royal Festival Hall. Polish musicians perform chamber music by Lutoslawski and his contemporaries, arranged in liaison with the Mickiewicz Foundation (free admission)

La Mer

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994)

Concerto for Orchestra

Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994)

Location