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Article: My power-crazed land; Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki fears his opera, Ubu Rex, which premieres in the UK next week, has taken on a chilling relevance in his home country "To be governed by these people would destroy the progress of the past 15 years. I don"t think I could live in Poland if they win".
- Article from:
- The Evening Standard (London, England)
- Article date:
- April 15, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: FIONA MADDOCKS
THE Polish National Opera is visiting Britain for the first time next week, to mark its country's accession to the European Union on 1 May. The highlight of its Sadler's Wells season, alongside operas by Moniuszko and Szymanowski, is the UK premiere of Ubu Rex, by Poland's best known * iving composer, 70- year- old Krzysztof Penderecki.
Curiosity value, you might think.
Poland has a tiny operatic tradition, eked out amid the occupying influences of Austria, Prussia and Russia over two centuries. Can it withstand Euro homogenisation?
Talking to Penderecki over coffee and cakes in Warsaw, a much starker question ...