On 16 March, Sinfonietta Cracovia brings the latest instalment of its cycle Music without Applause with the concert Microtonality, revealing that Greece is not just the cradle of European civilisation but a home to outstanding composers of contemporary music. MOCAK resounds with 10 Sketches for string orchestra by Nikos Skalkottas, whose work was inspired in equal measures by classical music and traditional Greek music. We will also hear Syrmos for 18 string instruments by Iannis Xenakis – composer-architect who combined music with mathematical modelling and game theory. The masterpieces of early 20th-century Greek music are juxtaposed with antichesis for 14 string instruments by musician Beat Furrer. To finish, the Sinfonietta reaches for L’ideale lucente e la pagine rubate for string orchestra penned by Salvatore Sciarrino, performing Poland’s premiere. The orchestra is led by Ernst Kovacic, director of the Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra in Wrocław. The cycle Music without Applause expects the audience to refrain from clapping during and after the concert. Will contemporary music survive without rapturous applause once again? We will find out soon enough!