On April 19th, 2026 at 6 p.m. a special event will take place at the Galicia Jewish Museum: “Laks Rediscovered”. During the evening the audience will participate in the Polish premiere of the discovered String Quartet No. 2 by Szymon Laks (1932). This piece was performed in the 1930’s only, then it was lost and for almost a century. Today, its discovery allows us to bring back an important, and until today absent part of the composer’s work.. Now it will be performed again, and, moreover, in Krakow.
Szymon Laks (1901—1983) – a Polish Jewish composer, writer, and one of the most intriguing persons of 20th century music. After the war he settled in Paris, where he continued his artistic work. His music, which combines classical form with refined expression, has been ignored for many years and left on the margins of classical repertoire. Now it makes a comeback to music halls.
The quartet will be performed by the Messages Quartet, an ensemble which is one of the most important ambassadors of Polish music. The quartet is also known for its recordings of quartets by Szymon Laks, which received acclaim from the critics and the public.
The event will be accompanied by a discussion panel with the participation of Anna Rusin, the artists of the Messages Quartet, and Frank Harders-Wuthenow, a representative of Boosey & Hawkes, the publisher of Szymon Laks’ works.
“Laks Rediscovered” is a meeting with the music, which comes back to the audiences after almost a century.
Partners: Galicia Jewish Museum, the Krzysztof Penderecki Music Academy in Krakow, POLMIC, Yidisher Kunst-Institut, Boosey & Hawkes, „Sztuki Robi” Podcast.
Free admission.
