Michał Lech is a Polish cellist whose artistic path moves naturally between classical tradition, chamber music, and contemporary artistic projects. He holds a Master’s degree from the Academy of Music in Katowice and has performed as a principal cellist in chamber, symphonic, and opera orchestras.
In 1998, driven by a deep interest in musical dialogue and long-term collaboration, he founded the Altra Volta String Quartet. Since then, the ensemble has developed an international presence, performing across Europe, Asia, Africa — in concert halls, historic venues, festivals, and cultural institutions.
With the Altra Volta String Quartet, he has been invited to numerous festivals and special projects, including performances at the Opéra Comique in Paris, the Chopin Music Gardens Festival at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, and La Folle Journée at the Polish National Opera. The quartet has also been involved in unique artistic moments, such as the world premiere of a work by French composer Régis Campo and appearances during major national and international cultural celebrations.
The ensemble has frequently represented Polish culture abroad, performing at events organized by Polish diplomatic institutions and cultural institutes — from Europe to Asia. Highlights include concerts and lectures in China, performances in India and Sri Lanka marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations, and appearances at international conferences, festivals, and state ceremonies. In 2018, the quartet received an award for creative achievement from the Mayor of Chorzów.
Michał’s work has often crossed the borders of traditional concert life. He has appeared at major international events such as the Venice International Film Festival, TED Talks at the Ferrari Museum in Modena, Academy Awards Night in Rome, and prestigious cultural celebrations held in places like Palazzo Colonna in Rome. His performances have taken place in contexts where music meets film, architecture, history, and public space.
Michał is also a close friend and collaborator of legendary Mark Levinson, the founder of Daniel Hertz. He has the honor of collaborating with him on recording projects for Daniel Hertz, as well as participating in and recording the brand’s Record and Playback events — experiences that explore sound, listening, and musical truth at the highest level.
Alongside his concert activity, Michał has collaborated with media and recording institutions including Polish Radio, Polish Television, TV Mezzo, Vatican Radio, Daniel Hertz, and the Aria Music Project. Since 2017, he has been a member of the Italian Aria Music Project, an international ensemble dedicated exclusively to film music.
His recording journey has unfolded across numerous albums, shaped through long-term collaboration and shared musical vision — from the Altra Volta String Quartet and the Aria Music Project to a wide circle of international artists. These projects include chamber recordings of piano concertos by Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Grieg, and Bach, created in collaboration with young pianists and recorded in leading concert halls and radio studios. Alongside these long-term collaborations, his discography also includes recordings made as a session musician, contributing to projects across a wide range of musical contexts.
His artistic work is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a constant search for new spaces in which music can resonate — across borders, disciplines, and audiences.
