Michael Krausz

Michael Krausz, philosopher, musician and artist, died at his home in Lewes on May 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Michael was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1942 to musicians Susan and Laszlo Krausz. The family came to the US as refugees from the German occupation of Europe when Michael was young, where they eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where both parents led successful careers as musicians in the classical music community.
After degrees from Rutgers University and Indiana University, Michael earned a PhD from the University of Toronto with additional post-graduate work at Linacre College, Oxford University, and the London School of Economics. He became the Milton C. Nahm Professor of Philosophy at Bryn Mawr College for over 40 years and served as the chair of that department for ten years. He also taught aesthetics at the Curtis Institute of Music. Michael was honored to be invited to teach at other universities including the University of Toronto. He has been a visiting professor at: American University; Georgetown University; Oxford University; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; American University in Cairo; University of Nairobi; Indian Institute of Advanced Study; and University of Ulm. Michael is the co-founder (with Joseph Margolis) and former Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium. In 2001 Michael was the subject of a four day international conference at the University of Delhi.
Michael Krausz was also an accomplished musician both as a violinist and a conductor. He is the founding Artistic Director and Conductor of the Great Hall Chamber Orchestra at Bryn Mawr and, as such, has collaborated the principal players of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2005-2014. He has also been a guest conductor of professional orchestras in Bulgaria, the Pleven Symphony Orchestra, Vratsa Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra.
As a visual artist, Michael was a prolific painter having had thirty-six solo and duo exhibitions in galleries in the United States, Great Britain and India, as well as participating in many group exhibitions.
Michael has authored six books on philosophy, edited an additional eleven books, and published over 60 articles in philosophy, aspects of music, and art.
Given his history and his family's losses in the Holocaust, Michael was also very concerned about both human rights issues and his community. He was one of the founders of the Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, his brother Peter and his wife of 44 years, the artist, Constance Costigan. Michael and Connie settled in Lewes 45 years ago to have a place to meet when not teaching either in Washington, DC (Connie) or on the Main Line of Philadelphia (Michael). In Sussex County they became very involved with different Arts concerns such as the Rehoboth Art League, the Artist's Exchange, and various community and book groups in both Rehoboth and Lewes.
Michael is survived by his nephew Ezra Krausz and family, and his nieces Gilah Krausz-Nevo, Raquel Maduri Krausz, and Tami Krausz Goldenstein. He also leaves many dear friends in the beach region as well as around the world. Michael's keen intelligence, gracious manner and the impish sparkle in his eye will be missed by many. Michael was well loved.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Rather than flowers, donations can be made in Michael's name to: Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS.org) for the preservation and maintenance of the Laszlo and Susan Krausz archive.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Peters Episcopal Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this webpage.