Alexander Liebreich has been Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony in Katowice since 2012. This orchestra is more familiar with the works of Lutosławski and Szymanowski than perhaps any other in the world. A triumphal success at its premiere in 1954, Witold Lutosławski’s opulent and stylistically eclectic Concerto for Orchestra remains his most popular work. Karol Szymanowski made a significant 20th c. contribution to the song genre. Contralto Ewa Podlés has a uniquely warm and expressive voice of breathtaking range, volume, and agility.