Repertoire

Today, Bacewicz (1909 – 1969) is recognised worldwide as one of the most prominent female composers of the 20th century and a distinguished former student of Nadia Boulanger. Although during her lifetime she was far better known as a violin virtuoso than as a composer (she was a laureate of the very first Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition). She experienced World War I as a child, and World War II provided the backdrop for her first orchestral composition – the Overture for Orchestra.
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Unlike Bacewicz, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) aspired to become a virtuoso violinist – a dream he never realised. His ambition took him as far as auditioning for a temporary position with the Vienna Philharmonic. The jury’s verdict – “Not bad” – came with the quiet suggestion that he consider another career. And so he did, going on to become one of the most celebrated Nordic composers in history – a reputation he enjoyed fully during his lifetime.
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Originally composed by Modest Mussorgsky (1839 – 1881) as an extended piano suite in ten movements, Pictures at an Exhibition remains by far his most celebrated work – though it owes much of its fame to Maurice Ravel (1875 – 1937). Half a century after its creation, the French composer reimagined the piece for full orchestra, transforming it into a dazzling concert showpiece that was instantly catapulted into the classical canon.
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