Krzysztof Penderecki first passed through the seven gates of Jerusalem in 1974, during an unofficial visit to Israel, which at the time was off limits owing to military conflicts with the Arabs. The Holy Land impressed the composer deeply, especially because he felt he was tracing Christ's steps. He visited Bethlehem and Nazareth, Masada and Hebron. Later he returned to Israel with pleasure. In 1987 he was awarded the important prize for music from the Wolf Foundation of Israel. With the support of Teddy Kollek, the legendary mayor of Jerusalem, among others, Penderecki received in 1995 a commission to compose a work for the celebrations for the third millennium of that city.
