The Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music is a unique place. Created and inaugurated by the composer himself. The idea that has guided ECM's activities from the very beginning is to inspire the most talented young musicians to improve their skills and strive for full artistic maturity. Master classes, solo, chamber and orchestral workshops, seminars and lectures held here regularly emphasize the relationship between the master and the student. ECM is also a place where concerts of outstanding Polish and European musicians take place. Importantly, however, right next to it there is a manor house that Krzysztof Penderecki bought in the 1970s for his creative work. He turned an abandoned estate into a masterpiece: beautifully renovated historic buildings, gardens, an arboretum and even a labyrinth – ILYO musicians saw it all in the morning. Because being in Lusławice and not visiting the place with which Penderecki was so emotionally connected would be simply an unforgivable mistake.

Finally, the hour of the concert struck. Sharp at 6:00 p.m. The International Lutosławski Youth Orchestra made its debut on the prestigious stage of the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice as part of the 12th edition of the Emanacje Festival. We played works by Bernstein, our patron – Lutosławski, Dvořák and, of course, Penderecki.

We will remember this evening for long!