THE Frome Family History Group met on Tuesday 31st January for their first talk of the new season about the life of violinist Francis Akos.
Chair of the Frome Family History Group Christine Featherstone said, “The evening started with a brief annual business meeting where the committee was thanked for their hard work and the treasurer reported on the financial position of the club. It was noted that the programme secretary, Sue Simpson and treasurer, Gerry Burdall would be stepping down at the end of the year. The hope is that replacements will be found during the year who can take over with help from Sue and Gerry.
“Our talk by our treasurer Gerry Burdall was on the life of violinist Francis Akos. This intriguing story began with Gerry outlining the situation in Hungary and Germany during the 1920s and 1930s before moving on to Francis Akos who was born in Budapest in 1922 to Jewish parents, his father, a salesman, his mother a music teacher. From an early age he was clearly a gifted violinist and following his study at Franz Liszt Academy of Music he joined the Budapest Symphony Orchestra becoming concertmaster.
“Francis was called up to serve the Hungary and German allies as an orderly but when visiting his family in Budapest he was arrested and taken to Neuengamme in March 1944. Being able to play the violin saved his life as he played to entertain the German officers.
“In May 1945, Akos was transferred to prison ships, one of three, The SS Cap Arcona, The SS Deutschland and The SS Thielbeck. These vessels were bombed by the Royal Air Force following a breakdown in communications and 7,400 people were killed including nearly all the prisoners.
“Francis Akos was one of the few survivors. He moved to the United States where he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra staying for 49 years. He also founded the Chicago Strings and was a conductor for the Chicago Heights Symphony Orchestra. Akos died on 28th January aged 93, a remarkable man who most people have never heard of.
“Gerry was warmly thanked for a very interesting evening.
“Our next talk will be on Tuesday February 28th when John Payne will give a talk entitled Town and Country 1850 – 1950. The group meet at Frome Library at 7.30pm.”
