‘Open the Curtains’ wins 3rd Prize in Krzysztof Penderecki International Composers’ Competition – ARBORETUM

In the aftermath of an intense final gala, Òscar was awarded the 3rd prize in the 5th edition of the Krzysztof Penderecki International Composers’ Competition-Arboretum, with his composition ‘Open the Curtains’.

This internationally recognized, bi-annual competition was created by Penderecki himself, who presided the jury until his recent death. Now with his late wife Elzbieta Penderecka acting as Honorary President, the competition received 94 works for string orchestra from composers worldwide. Following the first stage of the adjudication process, the jury selected six compositions to progress to the final gala concert, held in Radom (Poland).

The jury was presided on this occasion by Joanna Wnuk-Nazarowa —an important figure of Polish cultural life, and herself a protégé of Krzysztof Penderecki—, alongside notable composers Piotr Moss, Paul Patterson, and Maciej Zóttowski, President of the Polish section of the ISCM.

This award recognises Òscar’s unwavering commitment to music, creativity and refined craft throughout his career.

Òscar is grateful to the Cultural Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy in Warsaw, D. Eduardo Ramón Merino de Mena, for his presence and support during the final gala.