Rest in Peace Elżbieta Penderecka
Elżbieta Penderecka has died at the age of 78 this 31 October 2025. The European Festivals Association is sending its most sincere condolences to the entire family, friends, and the Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival team.
Elżbieta Penderecka was born in 1947 in Krakow. She was a great lady of culture, promoting music in Poland and around the world, supporting the careers of young artists, and engaging in music education. She was a connoisseur and organiser of many important artistic events and festivals, of which the Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival is the most famous. Her dedication to arts and culture was widely recognised at home and abroad.
Her contribution to many General Assemblies of the European Festivals Association and conversations on music among festival directors has been constant and impactful. ‘We are losing one of the most powerful arts and music lovers and promoters in Europe and in EFA’, said Jan Briers, EFA President, who visited the Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival just one year ago and met Elżbieta at that occasion.
For more than 50 years, she shared her life with Krzysztof Penderecki – her husband and one of the most outstanding composers of the 20th and 21st centuries – and supported him by being his manager, promoter and closest co-worker. She provided Penderecki with the fire and conditions necessary for his creative work and accompanying him on numerous trips, during which she always endeavoured to spread Polish culture.
Here are some words from our members and the festivals community
“Dear Bieta, we already miss you, your smile, your energy and your friendship. Thanks for being, with our beloved Krszystoff, so close to us for such a long, unforgettable time.” Massimo Mercelli from Emilia Romagna Festival and EFA Honorary Member
“RIP, our dearest Elžbieta. You and Your love to people and music will be remembered forever.” Rūta Prusevičienė from Vilnius Festival
