CONTENT COURTESY ANAM
ANAM welcomes Poland’s acclaimed Lutosławski Quartet for an immersive week of masterclasses and performances celebrating the richness and vitality of Polish chamber music.
Named after 20th-Century master Witold Lutosławski, the Quartet is renowned for its precision, expressive depth and commitment to 20th- and 21st-Century repertoire. As resident ensemble of the National Forum of Music in Wrocław, the group has performed at major international festivals and in leading halls across Europe and Asia, earning a distinguished reputation for championing Polish composers past and present.
This special residency at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) brings together the Quartet and ANAM musicians for a dynamic exploration of string chamber music — from iconic 20th-Century works to bold contemporary voices.
Lutosławski Quartet Residency at ANAM
Dates: 3–10 June 2026
Venue: Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford 3067
Bookings and info: ANAM website
Polish Violin – Friday 5 June 2026, 7PM
The first major performance of the residency unites the Lutosławski Quartet with ANAM musicians in a powerful program of string quartets, quintets and string orchestra works.
Celebrating Poland’s vibrant musical lineage, the concert features works by Grażyna Bacewicz and Karol Szymanowski, alongside contemporary voices including Perttu Haapanen and Richard Meale.
Program highlights include:
- Bacewicz: Quartet for Four Violins
- Bacewicz: Quartet for Four Cellos
- Bacewicz: String Quartet No. 4
- Haapanen: Caricias
- Szymanowski: String Quartet No. 2
- Meale: Cantilena Pacifica (from String Quartet No. 2)
Duration: Approx. 2 hours (including interval)
Leaves of an Unwritten Diary – Wednesday 10 June 2026, 7PM
The residency culminates in a sweeping final concert spotlighting masterworks and new music from Poland and beyond.
From the lyricism of Lutosławski to the intensity of Krzysztof Penderecki, and contemporary works by Paweł Mykietyn and quartet member Marcin Markowicz, the program traverses intimate chamber settings and expansive orchestral textures.
Highlights include:
- Lutosławski: 5 Melodii Ludowych
- Penderecki: Duo Concertante for violin and double bass
- Penderecki: String Quartet No. 3 – Leaves of an Unwritten Diary (arr. string quintet)
- Mykietyn: String Quartet No. 2
- Béla Bartók: Divertimento for String Orchestra
- Markowicz: New Work
A thrilling full string orchestra finale crowns a week of deep collaboration and artistic exchange.
Masterclass (Open to the Public) – Wednesday 3 June 2026, 10.30AM
Audiences are also invited behind the scenes for an open masterclass, offering rare insight into the artistry, technique and interpretive depth that shape world-class performance. Presented in ANAM’s up-close ‘open lesson’ format, this session provides invaluable learning opportunities for aspiring musicians and music lovers alike.
Join ANAM for an extraordinary week of music-making as the Lutosławski Quartet and ANAM musicians bring Polish chamber music vividly to life.
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