Under the baton of maestro Przemysław Neumann, the program mirrored the ensemble’s recent performance in Szczecin: Witold Lutosławski’s Little Suite, Witold Maliszewski’s rarely heard Kuyavian Fantasy for piano and orchestra, and Sergei Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances. The evening’s soloist, pianist Aleksandra Świgut, delighted the audience so much with her interpretation of Maliszewski’s forgotten gem that she was called back for two encores. The concert culminated in thunderous applause for Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, which brought the evening to a powerful close.

For ILYO, the Gewandhaus debut was both a milestone in the development of the project and an unforgettable experience for its young musicians. It was also a valuable opportunity to introduce the German public to lesser-known works by Polish composers.

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the orchestra’s sponsors and partners. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland for funding the debut under the “Inspiring Culture” program. The orchestra also extends gratitude to the Polish Institute in Berlin – Leipzig branch – for promotional and organizational support, as well as for hosting the post-concert reception combined with a certificate ceremony for project participants. Additional thanks are due to the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Ruch Muzyczny magazine for their promotional efforts. Last but not least, sincere appreciation goes to the Polish Music Publishing House (PWM) for their indispensable help in making both concerts possible.