Roxanna Panufnik, English composer

Born on April 24, 1968, Roxanna Panufnik is a distinguished British composer, proudly carrying her Polish heritage. Her lineage is deeply rooted in musical eminence, as she is the daughter of the renowned composer and conductor, Sir Andrzej Panufnik, and his second wife, Camilla, née Jessel.

Raised in London, Panufnik received her foundational education at Bedales School before advancing her musical studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. Her comprehensive musical training paved the way for a remarkably diverse and prolific career, encompassing a wide array of genres from the grand scale of opera and ballet to intimate chamber compositions, captivating choral works, and evocative scores for film and television. Her works resonate with audiences globally, enjoying regular performances across continents.

Notable Compositions and Global Reach

Among her extensive catalogue, several pieces have garnered significant acclaim and widespread recognition. The Westminster Mass stands out, a notable commission for the Westminster Cathedral Choir in May 1998, celebrating Cardinal Hume's 75th birthday. This work exemplifies her profound understanding of sacred music.

Her operatic contributions include The Music Programme, an opera created for the Polish National Opera's millennium season, which subsequently received its much-anticipated UK premiere at the BOC Covent Garden Festival. Demonstrating her versatile narrative capabilities, Panufnik also embarked on a charming project setting Vikram Seth's Beastly Tales for solo voices and orchestra. The first of these tales was commissioned by the BBC for the celebrated soprano Patricia Rozario and the City of London Sinfonia, with all three enchanting Tales now readily available on disc for wider appreciation.

Embracing World Music Traditions

A distinctive hallmark of Roxanna Panufnik's compositional philosophy is her profound interest in and integration of world music traditions. This fascination culminated in her groundbreaking violin concerto, Abraham, commissioned by the Savannah Music Festival for the acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope. This work is particularly notable for its thoughtful incorporation of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish musical elements, creating a poignant dialogue across cultures and faiths. The success of Abraham led to its transformation into an overture, specially commissioned by the World Orchestra for Peace. This powerful orchestral rendition premiered in the historically significant city of Jerusalem, conducted by the esteemed Valery Gergiev, further cementing its message of unity and understanding.

Recent Premieres and Community Engagement

Panufnik's creative output continues to flourish with a series of significant premieres. Her oratorio, Dance of Life, a vibrant work in Latin and Estonian, premiered as part of Tallinn's tenure as European Capital of Culture in 2011. This monumental piece, incorporating her fourth mass setting, involved multiple Tallinn choirs and the Tallinn Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing a grand scale of musical collaboration. Soon after, her Four World Seasons for violinist Tasmin Little debuted with the London Mozart Players on March 2, 2012. Broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, this premiere was a proud component of BBC Radio 3's Music Nation, a nationwide celebration leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

In 2012, the Bristol-based Exultate Singers, under their founder-conductor David Ogden, had the honour of premiering Panufnik's beautiful Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. Reflecting on the Magnificat, Panufnik shared a fascinating insight into its conception:

Roxanna Panufnik on the Magnificat:
"I consulted my good friend, the Rev. Canon Michael Hampel, and he suggested the idea of interpolating the Ave Maria with the Magnificat – as those words of the Archangel Gabriel telling Mary that she was carrying God's son must have been utmost in her mind for the Magnificat, which is her response to that awesome news – the words she says when she visits her cousin Elizabeth. Piecing the two texts together, they have very close associations – it seemed a very natural thing to do. The piece is dedicated to the two commissioning choirs, Exultate Singers and St Mark's Episcopal Church Choir in Philadelphia, with thanks for our very happy continuing collaborations."

A profound example of community engagement through music is Panufnik's "people's opera," Silver Birch, commissioned by Garsington Opera. This ambitious work had its world premiere on July 28, 2017. With a compelling libretto by writer Jessica Duchen, Silver Birch masterfully weaves together music, drama, poetry, and dance, bringing an astonishing 180 performers to the stage and pit. This collaborative endeavour involved local schools and community members working alongside professional soloists, with support from Pinewood Group and the Garsington Opera Orchestra. Karen Gillingham, Creative Director of Garsington Opera's Learning & Participation Programme, directed the production, while Douglas Boyd, Garsington Opera's Artistic Director, took the baton. Inspired by the timeless and poignant themes of war and its impact on relationships, the opera draws upon Siegfried Sassoon's evocative poems and the heartfelt testimony of a British soldier who served in Iraq, powerfully illustrating the human tragedies inherent in conflicts both past and present.

Professional Affiliations and Recognitions

Roxanna Panufnik also held the esteemed position of inaugural Associate Composer with the London Mozart Players from 2012 to 2015, a testament to her creative leadership and significant contributions to the ensemble's repertoire. Furthermore, she serves as a Vice-President of the Joyful Company of Singers, underscoring her commitment to the choral arts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roxanna Panufnik

Who are Roxanna Panufnik's parents?
Roxanna Panufnik is the daughter of the celebrated Polish-British composer and conductor, Sir Andrzej Panufnik, and his second wife, Camilla, née Jessel.
What are some of Roxanna Panufnik's most widely performed works?
Among her notable compositions are the Westminster Mass, commissioned for Cardinal Hume's 75th birthday, the opera The Music Programme, and settings of Vikram Seth's Beastly Tales.
What is Roxanna Panufnik's unique approach to composition?
She has a distinctive interest in world music, notably incorporating Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions in her violin concerto Abraham, promoting cultural dialogue through music.
Which major community opera did she compose?
Roxanna Panufnik composed Silver Birch, a "people's opera" for Garsington Opera in 2017, involving 180 performers from local schools and the community alongside professionals.
What significant roles has she held in the music world?
She was the inaugural Associate Composer with the London Mozart Players from 2012 to 2015 and currently serves as a Vice-President of the Joyful Company of Singers.