Through the Lens: Leaning East

On Wednesday 27 April 2022, we shined the spotlight on Polish composers past and present in Leaning East, a celebration of Polish contemporary music presented by the International Centre for Contemporary Music.

The night opened with Krzysztof Penderecki's pulsating Sinfonietta per archi, before two world premieres - Wojciech Błażejczyk’s reorchestrated version of Concerto for Electric Guitar and String Orchestra, and Paweł Mykietyn’s playful Prank for chamber orchestra.

Check out some photos and reviews from the night below!

The emotional world Wojciech Blazejczyk evoked — like a horror-movie soundtrack for the most part — was dark but always compelling. Masterly. Richard Morrison (The Times)

"The emotional world Wojciech Blazejczyk evoked — like a horror-movie soundtrack for the most part — was dark but always compelling. Masterly," writes @RichmoMusic in his @TimesArts review of @Ldn_Sinfonietta at @southbankcentre ★★★★☆ https://t.co/vi9rKwSAUn
— Times Arts (@TimesArts) April 28, 2022

That’s right - it’s a Concerto for Electric Guitar and Orchestra 🎸

📽: Composer Wojciech Błażejczyk as soloist with the London Sinfonietta rehearsing

Last chance to join us for the world premiere at @southbankcentre 👇🏻https://t.co/jsgGrQnwfu pic.twitter.com/soi58Dlhum
— London Sinfonietta (@Ldn_Sinfonietta) April 27, 2022

I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! It was so interesting to hear what different sounds instruments can make, especially percussion and electronic guitar. Audience member