AUSSTELLUNG „Wanda Wiłkomirska – Zwischen Musik und Freiheit“

The German-Polish Society of Bremen and the Wanda Wiłkomirska Cultural Association invite you to the Institut français Bremen to immerse yourself in the life of a world-famous violinist through the exhibition “Wanda Wiłkomirska – Between Music and Freedom,” whose musical opening reception will take place on August 27, 2026.

Wanda Wiłkomirska (1929–2018) was one of the most significant and internationally renowned violinists of the 20th century. At a time when artists from Eastern Bloc countries rarely had the opportunity to perform worldwide, she gave concerts on every continent and in the world’s most prestigious concert halls. She collaborated with the most renowned conductors of her time and was an outstanding interpreter, particularly of works by Polish composers.

After martial law was imposed in Poland in 1981, she decided not to return to her homeland in protest against the communist regime. During a concert tour of Germany, she remained in the West and later settled in Koblenz. For many years, she served as a professor at the Mannheim University of Music.

Wanda Wiłkomirska had a special connection to Bremen. Between 2010 and 2017, she lived in the Habenhausen and Neustadt neighborhoods. What few people know is that she left her artistic estate in Bremen.

The exhibition presents photographs from her life as well as selected items from her artistic and private estate. These include personal calendars, photographs, concert programs, brochures, posters, and other documents that offer insight into the life and work of this extraordinary artist.