Marianna Bednarska received the 'Polish-Danish Friendship Prize' in 2013, culminating in this CD recording of Anders Koppel's marimba concertos.
Anders Koppel's compositional career aims to unite classical European tradition with world music, rock, and jazz.
Anders Koppel was a key member of the Danish rock group Savage Rose from 1967-74, serving as organist and lyricist.
The marimba, a latecomer to Western classical music, has roots in the African balafon, which was brought to the Americas by African slaves.
Marianna Bednarska, the marimba soloist, has won 19 first prizes in national and international percussion competitions.
Anders Koppel, the composer, grew up in a musical family as the son of composer and pianist Herman D. Koppel.
In Mexico and Guatemala, the marimba holds the status of a national instrument.
