News

Camp orchestras in Auschwitz - educational session, 27 September

The history of orchestras at the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz will be the subject of the educational session of the Museum, scheduled to begin at 16.00 (CEST, GMT+2) on 27 September. Online streaming with English translation will be available for registered participants via zoom.

The programme will include a lecture on the camp orchestras and the screening of documentary films containing memories of members of the orchestras, preceded by an introductory presentation.

Participation in the session is free of charge. Please register online by 25 September 2022. 

Programme

16.00 - 16.10 | Inauguration of the session
Andrzej Kacorzyk, Director of the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust

16.10 - 17.10 | Lecture: camp orchestras
Jacek Lachendro, PhD, Museum Research Centre

17.10 to 17.40 | Screening of the film "Oświęcim Band"

BREAK

17:55-18.30 | Introduction to the film "Playing to survive"
Renata Koszyk

18:30-19.00 | Screening of the film "Playing to survive"

The camp orchestra played for the first time in January 1941. Initially, there were seven musicians, but the number increased rapidly. Its main task was to play the military marches in the manner the prisoners went out to work and returned to the camp from work. The orchestra also gave concerts for the SS garrison members and the prisoners. Later on, orchestras were also established in the men's and women's camps at Auschwitz II-Birkenau and some sub-camps.

Contact: Piotr Supinski, ICEAH: