Martin Labazevich, one of the finest young Polish pianists of our day, has teamed up with his compatriot, emerging conducting sorceress Ewa Strusińska, to record their first release for Delos: a supremely appealing all-Polish program of beloved musical gems for piano and orchestra, as well as engaging orchestral selections. Add the brilliant young virtuosos of the Beethoven Academy Orchestra to complete a supremely gifted and accomplished musical team.

To begin, you’ll hear Romantic-era composer Stanislaw Moniuszko’s delightful and unpretentious overture to his opera The Raftsman. There follows two works of revered 'poet of the piano' - Frédéric Chopin’s beloved Piano Concerto No.2, then a lesser-known nationalistic work: the Fantaisie on Polish Themes. Both of these early pieces beguile with their gorgeous melodies and intricate finger filigree.

The CD ends with the Little Suite for orchestra: 20th-century master Witold Lutoslawski’s charming treatment of Polish folk-melodies.