Composer Penderecki Awarded Master Title

Modern Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki has been awarded the title of Master from the Wroclaw-based Lower Silesian Chamber of Craft. The regional association of artisans has awarded the titled in previous years to such figures as Cardinal Henry Gulbinowicz (emeritus Archbishop of Wroclaw), poet and writer Tadeusz Rozewicz, and the much-acclaimed doctor Alicja Chybicka.

Penderecki, who was joined by his family, met with guild elders dressed in traditional robes and masters of such historic crafts as masonry, ironwork, pottery, and bakery. By the end of the ceremony the composer had also been dressed in traditional garments including a black robe, cap, and a ruff around his neck.

Penderecki received a commemorative statue, created using traditional techniques, with elements of the Wroclaw cathedral in the shape of a W for Wroclaw. The Chamber of Craft decided to bestow the title of Penderecki this year to honour his great contribution as a "master of the art of sound".