Michael Krausz, artist, musician, philosopher
Michael Krausz died at his home in Lewes Tuesday, 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 U.S. as refugees from the German occupation of Europe when Michael was young, and they eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where both parents led successful careers as musicians in the classical music community.
After earning degrees from Rutgers University and Indiana University, Michael earned a PhD from University of Toronto with additional postgraduate 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 10 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 with the principal players of New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra from 2005-14. He has also been a guest conductor of professional orchestras in Bulgaria, the Pleven Symphony Orchestra, Vratsa Philharmonic Orchestra, and Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra.
As a visual artist, Michael was a prolific painter, having had 36 solo and duo exhibitions in galleries in the U.S., Great Britain, and India, as well as participating in many group exhibitions.
Michael has authored six books on philosophy, edited an additional 11 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, D.C. (Connie), or on the Main Line of Philadelphia (Michael). In Sussex County, they became very involved with different arts concerns such as 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 Kraus 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 at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 29, at St. Peter's Episcopal Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
Visit Michael's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
