The two men met most likely before the war, but became close in the post-war period. They both spent the first few years after 1945 in Kraków, from where they would travel increasingly often to Warsaw, where they were active in the Polish Composers’ Union. Mycielski wrote enthusiastically about Panufnik’s first post-war compositions, immediately recognising his huge talent. He appreciated his friend’s music until the end of his life. When in 1954 Panufnik emigrated from Poland, Mycielski remained one of his closest friends. He maintained contact with him through letters and with time would visit him regularly. Panufnik in turn motivated him to compose, asking him about his works and praising the scores and recordings he received. The published correspondence of the two composers (Zygmunt Mycielski – Andrzej Panufnik. Korespondencja, ed., introduction and commentary B. Bolesławska-Lewandowska, vol. 1–3, Warsaw 2016, 2018, 2021) testifies to the bond that existed between them. A friendship that was not undermined by the Iron Curtain, which divided them. For Panufnik Mycielski remained the most important link to his lost homeland, while for Mycielski Panufnik was a friend who understood the best his own needs and dilemmas as a composer. It was to Panufnik that in 1984 Mycielski wrote:

What may be the essence of our life or joy, or whatever you call it, is composing. (27.11.1984, in: "Zygmunt Mycielski - Andrzej Panufnik. Korespondencja", Vol. 2: "Lata 1970-1987", Warsaw 2018)