Prize for Polish composer Penderecki

At a ceremony at Wawel Castle in Kraków on Monday, Penderecki was praised for his contribution to the development of Polish culture and the worldwide promotion of Poland.

Born in 1933, Penderecki is among the greatest living composers. His vast output comprises orchestral compositions, large-scale vocal-instrumental works, operas, choral pieces and chamber music.

His honours include the highest Polish state distinction - the Order of the White Eagle, state distinctions from Germany, Austria, France and Monaco, several Grammy awards and honorary doctorates from numerous universities.

He has also achieved a wide reputation as a conductor.

The Jerzmanowski Prize was funded by the Kraków industrialist Erazm Jerzmanowski in 1912 and was awarded from 1915 to 1938 for scientific and charitable activities.

Its recipients included Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, the writers Henryk Sienkiewicz and Jan Kasprowicz and the legendary Polish pianist and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Its value equalled that of 12 kilos of gold.

The prize was revived in 2009, the centenary of Erazm Jerzmanowski’s death, thanks to the funds from the Małopolska Province.

Among its recipients are painter Jerzy Nowosielski, lawyer Andrzej Zoll and Jerzy Limon, the director of the Shakespearean Theatre in Gdańsk. The current value of the prize is PLN 100,000 (around EUR 25,0000). (mk/pk)