Elzbieta Penderecka
(c) Bruno Fidrych

Elzbieta Penderecka has suddenly passed away yesterday, the Penderecki Institute said. She was 78 years old. The musical world mourns the loss of a cultural manager who tirelessly promoted music in Poland abroad, supporting the careers of many young artists.

Born in Krakow, Elzbieta Penderecka studied physics at the Jagiellonian University but later dedicated her entire life to music. Since 1965 she has managed the secretariat of her husband, the composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki.

In 1997 she organized the first Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival, which has been held annually since then, first in Krakow, later in Warsaw. In 1998 she initiated the Krzysztof Penderecki Festival, which was organized every five years. In 2003 she established the Ludwig van Beethoven Association, which took over the organization of both festivals.

Elzbieta Penderecki has won many awards and distinctions from Polish and foreign institutions.

Together with her husband, the late Krzysztof Penderecki, Elzbieta Penderecki has created the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Luslawice, a unique center for developing young music talents.

Her cultural and artistic activity earned her wide recognition both in Poland and abroad, as evidenced by the many honors she received.

Elzbieta Penderecka, & Remy Franck
(c) Bruno Fidrych

She was a dear friend of the International Classical Music Awards Jury which she invited for a general Assembly in Warsaw and subsequently for the Award Ceremony and gala concert which took place during the Beethoven Festival 2014.

ICMA President Remy Franck says: « We honor our dear friend Elzbieta Penderecka, a remarkable pillar of cultural life, whose passion, creativity, and generosity have inspired everyone around her. Through her tireless dedication and artistic vision, Elzbieta has enriched our Jury and reminded us of the power of culture to unite and uplift. Her name will continue to echo through our hearts! »

Elzbieta Penderecka: « Die Unterstützung von jungen Künstlern ist mir ein großes Anliegen »