Performer: Krzysztof Penderecki

Krzysztof Penderecki leads a masterful performance and powerful tribute to Jiří Bělohlávek.

The Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra had the privilege of playing three works of Krzysztof Penderecki under the composer's own baton.

Penderecki as composer/conductor with the LPO in a fascinating exploration of his own work, as well as some relatively rarely played Shostakovich. 

With Penderecki conducting his own work, this concert demonstrated the possibilities of orchestral colour filtered through a post-Romantic lens, but was confronted with issues of balance and refinement.

It's been a bumper week of contemporary music at the Barbican, with Nico Muhly and the Britten Sinfonia, Bang on a Can, and Krzysztof Penderecki and Jonny Greenwood all taking the stage. The diversity of talents and styles on display can only be encouraging, and last night's offering was a fitting climax to a fascinating week.