The members of NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra are very happy to be able to play for live audiences, for you, again. All of us have had big problems caused by the pandemic, which will continue to challenge society in the future. For our opening concert we have chosen – according to our demanding situation – music which strengthens our hope to be able to cope with the crisis: Per aspera ad astra.

Arthur Honegger’s Symphony No. 2, written and premiered during the depression and catastrophes of World War II, describes the sorrow and desperation of this time. But at the end of the last movement, it culminates in a Bach – like a chorale for trumpet which promises hope and liberation from all suffering and hardship. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Große Fuge op. 133 similarly ends on a positive note, promising reward for all our perseverance and courage after having often fluctuated between hope and various dramatic conflicts. The conductor Felix Weingartner, whose arrangement of Beethoven’s fugue we will play, was a fine composer himself as you can hear in his little Serenade op. 7, which opens the concert.

Songs, Prayers and Rhapsodies presents a wide and attractive span of music from intimate songs of Mieczysław Karłowicz to Romantic and folk pieces featuring the high quality and versatility of the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra musicians. We are very thankful for the contributions of our guest artists, Justyna Skoczek – piano, Paweł Jabłczyński – double bass and Bartosz Porczyk – actor.

Fairy tales and storytelling can still captivate and shape children’s minds. Fairy tales with music are even more impressive! Children’s choirs have for a long time been waiting for possibilities to perform. Finally, they have their chance again: Małgorzata Podzielny will present film music with her choirs, NFM Boys’ Choir, ‘Rondo’ Vocal Ensemble and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra. You will hear film music from The Academy of Mr Blot by Andrzej Korzyński and In Desert and Wilderness by Krzesimir Dębski, arranged by Michał Ziółkowski. Ravel’s ballet music Ma mere l'Oye, which was originally written just for four hands, will conclude the programme. These five piano pieces Ravel expanded into a half-hour ballet music starting with a Spinning Wheel music and telling the stories of Sleeping Beauty, La Belle et la Bete, Little Thumbnail, Laideronnette, Empress of the Pagodas and the Fairy Garden. Without any words, Ravel’s magic soundworld puts us directly into the atmosphere of these fairy tales.

I want to thank so many people who have made these concerts possible, in spite of all- difficulties, risks and obstacles. Special thanks to NFM Director Mr Andrzej Kosendiak and Agata Adamczyk for coordinating the events. Enjoy the concerts! Music is, as you know, an important and truly effective tool to keep spirits high!

Ernst Kovacic
and NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra