Based in Gdansk, Poland, The Polish Baltic Philharmonic was founded in 1945 after the city obtained independence from German annexation in WW II. The Philharmonic grew and developed as a symbol of national pride and identity as Gdansk became the center of opposition to the Communist Party rule. The largest music institution in northern Poland, the orchestra pays homage to the heritage of its homeland through its performances and outreach. Developing its repertoire under the direction of several world-renown conductors, including Sir Neville Marriner and Maxim Vengerov, the orchestra toured the United States with its current music director Ernst Van Tiel just last month, appearing at Armstrong Auditorium on Thursday, March 3rd and presenting an all Beethoven program of works including the Egmont Overture, the Piano Concerto No. 5 with pianist Marcin Koziak and Symphony No. 5.
The program airs Saturday, April 30th, 8pm on Classical 88.7 HD-1.