Here stands a plaque honoring Wacław Lachman. Who was Wacław Lachman? Wacław Lachman was a composer a conductor and a pedagogue. He was born in 1880 and died in 1963. The Wacław Lachman Plaque commemorates his life and work.
Wacław Lachman’s contributions to Polish music are immense. He was deeply involved in choral music. Wacław Lachman was also a social activist and patriot. This plaque recognizes his multifaceted contributions.
Born in Płock Wacław Lachman showed early musical talent. He directed a school choir while still a student. This choir later became known as the Płocka Drużyna Śpiewacza. Wacław Lachman composed and arranged pieces for them.
He studied at the Warsaw Conservatory. Wacław Lachman founded another choir during his studies. He also created the Polish Musical Youth Association. Wacław Lachman even sang in the Philharmonic choir. In 1909 he graduated with a diploma in composition.
In 1906 Wacław Lachman established the Lachman Choir. It later gained fame as Harfa. He led Harfa until 1963. During the Nazi occupation the choir performed patriotic songs. They performed mainly in churches. Wacław Lachman and his choir gave about 300 performances. He even participated in the Warsaw Uprising.
Wacław Lachman also conducted other Warsaw choirs. These included the Warsaw Philharmonic and the Warsaw Opera choirs. He took his choirs on tour to France Belgium and Moscow. Wacław Lachman lectured at schools including VI Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Tadeusza Reytana.
From 1932 Wacław Lachman served as chief conductor. He led the Union of Singing and Instrumental Associations of Poland. In 1934 he became an honorary citizen of Płock. In 1938 he received a music award from the city of Warsaw.
Wacław Lachman’s legacy includes over 300 compositions. These are mainly for male choir. He composed songs cantatas and masses. Wacław Lachman also created numerous folk music arrangements.
Wacław Lachman received several honors. These included the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta twice. He also received the Gold Cross of Merit twice and the Medal of the 10th Anniversary of People’s Poland.
After his death a commemorative plaque was placed on his family home in Płock. A street in Warsaw’s Ursynów district is also named after him. This plaque on Marszałkowska Street is another memorial to Wacław Lachman. It reminds us of his dedication to music and Polish culture. Wacław Lachman’s life was one of passionate commitment. He enriched Poland’s musical landscape significantly.