ROXANNA PANUFNIK Two Composers , Four Hands for Double String Orchestra
“ Too often we don ’ t think about what we have in common , but instead about our tiny fraction of difference from each other .” – Panufnik
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Born 1968 in London , U . K .
• Roxanna Panufnik was born in London and started studying music at an early age . Her father , Sir Andrzej Panufnik , was a famous Polish composer , which no doubt greatly influenced her love of music . She wrote her first full composition at age 12 and grew up playing violin , piano , and flute .
• Panufnik attended the Royal College of Music studying composition . Upon graduating , she worked for the BBC as a music researcher .
• After the passing of her father , Panufnik had the realization that life was too short to not pursue what you love most , and , with a leap of faith , she became a full-time composer .
• Panufnik has written a wide range of works for choir , opera , orchestra , and chamber ensemble . She has a particular interest in communicating religious tolerance and developing musical bridges between different faiths .
FUN FACT
When Panufnik was a child she most wanted to be an ambulance driver .
THE WORLD AT A GLANCE
2013
MUSIC Miley Cyrus ’ “ Wrecking Ball ”
SPORTS Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII
ABOUT THE PIECE
• This work was written in 2013 in memory of her father , acclaimed composer Sir Andzrej Panufnik , and Polish composer Witold Lutosławski who was also her father ’ s piano duo partner .
• The idea of the duo is represented in the instrumentation , which is separated into two string ensembles .
• The work represents both men throughout the three movements . The first movement , entitled Lutosłowski , embodies the composer ’ s pulsating rhythm and sense of humor . The second movement , entitled Panufnik , represents her father and features simultaneous major and minor harmonies , and the final movement , LutoPanufski , represents the piano duo and incorporates Polish folk themes .
LITERATURE Stephen King ’ s Doctor Sleep
FILM The Wolf of Wall Street
HISTORY The most powerful meteor to strike Earth ’ s atmosphere in over a century explodes over Russia .
12 BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA