29.10.2022 Events, Music

Indies and Idols – Australian Chamber Orchestra play Polish composers at the Barbican

Pop-cultural icons Jonny Greenwood and Bryce Dessner face-to-face with the sounds of post-World War Two Poland – Szymanowski, Penderecki and Lutosławski – in an evening that’s been described as ‘a mind-bending, ear twisting, richly rewarding musical experience like few others’.

29 October, The Barbican

*A 20% discount is available for audiences of the Polish Cultural Institute – please email london.pci@instytutpolski.pl to get your discount code which you can use when booking online* (subject to availability)

Richard Tognetti and his Australian Chamber Orchestra are joined by musicians from the Guildhall School to bring music by pop-cultural icons Jonny Greenwood and Bryce Dessner face-to-face with the sounds of post-World War Two Poland – Szymanowski, Penderecki and Lutosławski – in an evening that’s been described as ‘a mind-bending, ear twisting, richly rewarding musical experience like few others’ (The Australian).

No music exists in a vacuum – so prepare for the worlds of neo-classicism, Polish folk and the avant garde to collide with contemporary cult classics in a dizzying, mesmerising and energising concert experience typical of this International Associate Ensemble.

The Programme will include:

Witold Lutosławski Musique funèbre: Prologue

Bryce Dessner Réponse Lutosławski

Wojciech Kilar Orawa

Krzysztof Penderecki Aria from Three Pieces in Baroque Style

Krzysztof Penderecki String Quartet No 1

Jonny Greenwood Suite from There Will be Blood

Karol Szymanowski String Quartet No 2 (arr Richard Tognetti)

To find out more and book: Indies and Idols | Barbican

Scheduled Events Music

Polish Culture Festival in the UK @

The Polish Social and Cultural Centre (POSK) and the Pomysłodalnia Foundation have launched an open call for UK-based Polish poets and artists to join the inaugural "Polish, Very Polish" festival in London from 12–20 September 2026. Submissions for the digital anthology and live poetry slam are open until 31 July 2026.
12 09.2026 20 09.2026 Events, Literature

Tomasz Zyrmont Quartet performance at Toulouse Lautrec

Acclaimed pianist and composer Tomasz Zyrmont presents music from his acclaimed new album London Manifest in an evening of contemporary jazz, original compositions and inspired improvisation.
15 08.2026 Events, Music

Three Panufnik Composers 🗓

One legendary musical family, two completely different genres. Classical composer Roxanna Panufnik and electronic producer Jem "Stone" Panufnik have officially teamed up, blending acoustic tradition with modern soundscapes in a stunning new collaborative release.
04 09.2026 Music, News