Witold Lutosławski (1913-1994) - one of the greatest 20th-century composers. He graduated in Piano and Composition from the Warsaw Conservatory (he also read Mathematics). He was awarded honorary doctorates from universities in Warsaw, Cracow, Toruń, Chicago, Glasgow and Cambridge. He lectured in many centres of learning around the world, including Essen, Copenhagen and Stockholm. In 1959-65 he was a member of the board of the International Society of Contemporary Music, and later for 4 years its vice-president. His most important works include 'Mourning Song' (1958), 'Venetian Games' (for orchestra, 1961), 'String Quartet' (1964), 'Concerto for Cello and Orchestra' (1970), 'Four Symphonies' (1988). On the 80th anniversary of the prestigious Polar Music Prize (also known as the musical Oscar), he was a triple winner of the first-class state award. In 1994 he was awarded the Order of the White Eagle.
