A force of nature, Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz wrote seven violin concertos, eight quartets and four symphonies. ‘I run, not walk,’ she said. ‘I speak fast, even my pulse beats faster than normal.’

Lutosławski said, ‘She was born with an incredible wealth of musical talent, an almost fanatical zeal and unwavering faith in her mission.’ Asked if her music would last, he said ‘true judgement of creative ability does not belong to contemporary reviewers, but to thousands of audiences over many decades, which may be referred to as the jury of time.’

Fifty years since her death, judge this extraordinary artist for yourself, her signature string works performed by the dynamic young orchestra seen centre-stage in the National Theatre’s hit Amadeus.

Southbank Sinfonia is internationally recognised as a leading orchestral academy, each year bringing together 33 of the world’s most promising graduate musicians to provide a much-needed springboard into the profession. Its annual fellowship provides unparalleled opportunities to gain crucial orchestral experience and the skills that 21st-century musicians need to thrive, often in partnership with leading performing arts organisations including the Royal Opera and Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

From their Free Rush Hour Concerts at St John’s Waterloo to taking centre-stage in the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Amadeus, the musicians bring their own exploratory impulse to classical music, asking anew what orchestras have the power to communicate in the modern world.

By virtue of their youth, energy and excellence, Southbank Sinfonia players not only bring fresh resonance to the stage but are also ideally placed to act as role models who inspire many younger musicians on the Southbank and beyond.