Polish composer denies allegations of being communist-era informer

“I've never been a collaborator of the [communist] Security Services,” Penderecki said in a statement sent to the PAP news agency on Friday. He added that he has “no knowledge” of the existence of secret files in his name pointing to his alleged work as an informant.

On Friday, the Niezalezna website wrote that a recently discovered document signed by a high ranking intelligence officer during Poland's communist rule indicates that “Penderecki 'was used operationally' because of his frequent trips abroad”.

Penderecki is one of Poland's famous musical composers. His work “St Luke Passion” will be performed on Saturday by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other people who have been accused of being collaborators include former president Lech Wałęsa.

Wałęsa has denied he ever provided intelligence to the then authorities.

(rg/di)