There’s a special kinship between Scotland and Poland – two nations with stirring histories and dauntless spirits. Grażyna Bacewicz stood her own ground in a time of tyranny, writing music as characterful as it is defiant. Karol Szymanowski imagined new realms of musical sensuality, and the dazzling young South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim is passionate about his silken, shimmering First Violin Concerto. Then, to finish, Witold Lutosławski launches fabulous musical fireworks into the grey skies of communist Poland. Fiery, playful, and utterly original his Concerto for Orchestra is one of post-war music’s true showstoppers, and it’s a special favourite of guest conductor Marta Gardolińska. She won’t hold back today.
