Among the performers will be Polish organist Karol Mossakowski, who won a special Orchestra Award. At 32, he is the titular organist of the Cathedral in Lille, France, and a professor of improvisation.
In his profile, the ICMA website writes: “Karol Mossakowski is renowned for both his interpretation and improvisation skills. He won numerous prizes and proved his extraordinary musicality as artist in residence at Radio France and at the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra NOSPR in Katowice. Being one of the most promising artists among the rising figures of the young organ school, his performances have been hailed in the most laudatory terms not only for their great virtuosity but also for the finesse and the rich colours of his deeply musical playing.”
During Friday’s gala concert, Mossakowski will perform the Toccata from Joseph Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante op. 81, with the Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero.
Among the ICMA winners is the National Forum of Music, which received the Special Achievement Award.
According to the ICMA panel of judges, the National Forum of Music is “a large institution comprising four virtually independent venues in one building, 11 ensembles, including a string trio, three quartets, two chamber orchestras, three different choirs, two period instruments ensembles and a symphony orchestra."
The panel also said that Wrocław, “a city with musical ambitions ... has become a model for other places."
The award will be handed to conductor Andrzej Kosendiak, the director of the National Music Forum of Music.
Performers at Friday’s concert will also include cellist David Geringas (winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award), pianist Alessandro Marangoni (Special Achievement Award), soprano Ermonela Jaho (Artist of the Year Award), violinist Leonard Baumgartner (Discovery Award), and conductor Carles Magraner (Early Music Award).
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