Catz alumnus restores music written and performed in Auschwitz

Leo Geyer (2019, Music), has restored music written and performed in Auschwitz. The music can be heard on Youtube here and, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Sky Arts has commissioned The Lost Music of Auschwitz, telling the remarkable story of British composer and conductor Leo Geyer’s eight-year mission to piece together a treasure-trove of forgotten fragments of music manuscripts found in the archives of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Auschwitz-Birkenau was home to at least six orchestras, formed of prisoners and commissioned by the SS. Many of the manuscripts they left behind are almost too faint to read, while others are damaged beyond recognition.

The Lost Music of Auschwitz follows Leo on this musical journey as he discovers how the musicians rebelled with secret performances, weaving forbidden melodies into concerts. The film is interwoven with powerful interviews with some of the last remaining survivors, and special performances from Leo’s orchestra.

The Lost Music of Auschwitz first aired on 20 January at 9pm on Sky Arts, Freeview and NOW, and can be viewed here.

Commenting on the film, Leo Geyer commented: “After many years of research, I’m pleased to be able to share this music with the public to commemorate 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. The Holocaust should never be forgotten. Through this music, I hope to bring everyone together to remember not only those whose lives were saved due to their musical talents but also all those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust.”

We congratulate Leo on this fantastic research and achievement.