Named after Jan Karski, the legendary Polish WW2 resistance fighter, Karski Quartet is a dynamic ensemble that blends passion, courage, and deep artistic sensitivity. Known for their energetic and emotionally rich interpretations, they create a powerful bond with audiences, captivating both classical music connoisseurs and a new generation of listeners. Their warm sound, expressive intensity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned them international recognition.
Since their founding in 2018, the Karskis have appeared across Europe and in Canada in a wide range of venues and festivals. A key figure in their artistic journey was Philippe Graffin, whose inspiring musical vision led to sharing the artistic direction of Traces Festival, a project founded by Graffin and aimed at the promotion of unjustly neglected chamber music repertoire. They have also collaborated with Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, David Waterman, Raphael Wallfisch, Chen Halevi, Simon Rowland-Jones, Gaëlle Solal, Katherine Broderick among others. Their debut album, featuring Boccherini’s string quintets recorded with Raphaël Feye for Evil Penguin (2023), was met with international acclaim. The 2025/26 season will bring the release of a second Boccherini album, as well as performances in the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Flagey in Brussels, concerts in Belgium, France, the UK and the Karski’s debut in Hungary for the Quartetissimo Festival. Jan Karski’s unwavering courage, compassion and integrity are the values which drive the quartet’s artistic pursuits and influence their ethical considerations. In a world full of challenges, Karski Quartet stands for connection, authenticity and fearless musical storytelling.