From the Archives - Concertos for Orchestra

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published October 19, 2026 at 10:55 AM CDT

Concertos are often thought to be for one or two instruments, but sometimes the entire orchestra is put on display in demanding showpieces. We have two 20th century works by Witold Lutoslawski and Roberto Gerhard that meld modern techniques and indigenous folk melodies.

Compositions and Recordings

Concerto for Orchestra
by Witold Lutosławski
Witold Lutosławski and the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Concerto for Orchestra
by Roberto Gerhard
Michael Gielen and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3