The composition of a ninth symphony has represented a symbolic challenge within the tradition for almost every composer after Beethoven. Andrzej Panufnik met this challenge with his most ambitious and large-scale work. It was supposed to be a choral symphony, but Panufnik decided against this: ‘The Sinfonia della Speranza reflects my musical interpretation of the ideal of hope: within its notes I have tried to incorporate a spiritual message, an expression of my faith in mankind as well as my longing for racial and religious tolerance among all people’.

Concertino for Timpani, Percussion & Strings
Sinfonia della Speranza (Symphony No. 9)