Written in 1996, Krzysztof Penderecki’s Seven Gates of Jerusalem had been commissioned by the town of Jerusalem to mark 3000 years of the Holy City. It was first performed in Jerusalem on 9th January 1997.

Originally intended as a symphony, the work has the features of an oratorio, although the composer himself didn’t not call it so. The seven parts of this vocal-and-instrumental work correspond to the seven gates of Jerusalem, but no direct references to the specific gates are made. The music sets the Old Testament fragments announcing the coming of Messiah.

The music represents various traditions – the composer was known for his ecumenical thinking. The work can be seen as a call for dialogue among and in spite of differences, important appeal also today.

The Symphony No. 7 “Seven Gates of Jerusalem” for five soloists, reciter, three choirs and an extended orchestra line-up will resound interpreted by the Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir with excellent guests and under the baton of Maciej Tworek. The concert will be held at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre – the evening marks the beginning of the FeelharmonICE concert cycle co-operation between the two institutions.

The concert forms also a part of the International Music Festival of Central and Eastern Europe Eufonie.

Krzysztof Penderecki Symphony No. 7 “Seven Gates of Jerusalem”

Iwona Hossa – soprano
Karolina Sikora – soprano
Anna Lubańska – alto
Rafał Bartmiński – tenor
Artur Janda – bass
Sławomir Holland – reciter
Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir
Polish Radio Choir Lusławice
Piotr Piwko – choirmaster
Maria Piotrowska-Bogalecka – preparation of the Polish Radio Choir Lusławice
Maciej Tworek – conductor