23/02/2026
Our EuropeCultureAward winner Elżbieta Penderecka was one of the most influential women in Polish cultural life. As an advisor, manager and artistic director, she shaped the country for almost three decades. The widow of composer Krzysztof Penderecki died unexpectedly on October 31, 2025.
In June 2002, Elżbieta Penderecki was conferred the anniversary European Culture Award 2002 by the KulturForum Europa for her achievements as the “Ambassador of Poland in opening Europe to the East”. The official award ceremony took place on 9 September 2002.
The funeral of the late Elżbieta Penderecka, with military assistance, took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Krakow.
The late Elżbieta Penderecka was laid to rest in the National Pantheon at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Krakow.
We cherish the memory of both of them in friendship. …
Photos with Christian Bauer, Elżbieta Penderecka and her late husband Krzysztof and the Polish Consul General (Cologne/Munich) Elżbieta Sobótka in Istanbul, Köln, Bonn and Krakow.
