Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The Schlesische Kammerphilharmonie Kattowitz, also known as the Silesian Chamber Philharmonic Katowice, is a classical music ensemble based in Katowice, Poland. The ensemble was founded in 1981 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about chamber music and wanted to create a platform for themselves to perform and showcase their talents. The founding members of the ensemble included violinists Krzysztof Jakowicz and Andrzej Gębski, violist Tadeusz Gadzina, cellist Andrzej Bauer, and double bassist Janusz Widzyk. They were all graduates of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians in Poland and abroad. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of successful concerts and collaborations with renowned musicians such as pianist Krystian Zimerman and conductor Jerzy Maksymiuk. In 1983, the ensemble made its international debut at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of Mozart's Symphony No. 40. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded its repertoire to include works by a wide range of composers, from Baroque to contemporary. They have also collaborated with a number of prominent soloists, including violinist Nigel Kennedy, cellist Mischa Maisky, and pianist Martha Argerich. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 1992 Salzburg Festival, where they played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 with Argerich as the soloist. The performance was widely praised for its energy, precision, and musicality, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading chamber orchestras in Europe. In addition to their concert performances, the ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to their name. Their recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Diapason d'Or, the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, and the Fryderyk Award, Poland's highest music award. The ensemble has also been recognized for their contributions to the cultural life of Poland and Europe. In 2001, they were awarded the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. In 2011, they were named the Cultural Ambassador of the Silesian Voivodeship, an honor that recognizes their role in promoting the region's cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Today, the Schlesische Kammerphilharmonie Kattowitz continues to perform and record at the highest level, under the leadership of conductor and artistic director Janusz Przybylski. They remain committed to their mission of promoting chamber music and showcasing the talents of Polish and international musicians.

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