Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Lutosławski remained in contact with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for many years. In 1978, he became an honorary member, a privilege to which he responded with a Prelude for G. S. M. D., performed on 11 May 1989. This short piece, less than two minutes long, is based on the thirteenth-century English song ‘Worldes bliss ne last no throwe’. The then 76-year-old composer conducted it during a concert given by the Guildhall School’s symphony orchestra.

It was the Guildhall School, together with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, that organised another festival of his music shortly after his death. In January 1997, all three Chains were performed, as well as the Concerto for Orchestra and the complete symphonies, and recordings of the event are available on disc.