Addressing a press conference in Wrocław on Friday, NFM Music Director Andrzej Kosendiak introduced Eschenbach as “a member of our musical family” He added: “Welcome home”, referring to the Maestro’s family roots in the city.
Born in 1940 in what was Breslau at the time, Eschenbach was orphaned during the war. His mother, a singer and piano teacher, died giving birth to him, while his father, a conductor and musicologist, was killed by Russian forces towards the end of the war. In 1946, Eschenbach was adopted by his mother’s cousin.
Eschenbach told reporters: ’’Music brings people closer together. My homecoming to Wrocław is a highly emotional experience for me and I’m extremely happy to be able to share these emotions in the music that we shall be creating together”.
He pledged to promote Wrocław on the international music scene and create opportunities for young conductors and musicians to pursue their careers. In recent years, Eschenbach conducted in Wrocław several times. In 2026, a commemorative plaque dedicated to him was unveiled close to the National Music Forum. Last year, he was presented with the symbolic keys to the city.
The National Forum of Music houses a large concert hall seating 1,800 and three chamber halls. It is home to several resident ensembles, including the NFM Philharmonic Orchestra, the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra, and the NFM Chorus.
(mk/aj)
