Klezmer meets classical music: A musical highlight in the MDR music summer!

Klezmer meets classical music: A musical highlight in the MDR music summer!

The music scene in Germany will be enriched by a very special event in the coming days: the MDR Music Summer. On August 29th in Weimar the motto is “Klezmer now!” – a concert that will captivate visitors in the heart of the Weimarhalle. The MDR Symphony Orchestra and the Ensemble Kolsimcha will be there, presenting the fascinating world of contemporary klezmer together. This exciting mixture combines the Eastern European musical tradition with jazz and classical music and promises a musical journey of discovery that takes you far beyond the borders of your homeland. As MDR reports, the musicians are at work with a diverse selection of instruments such as flute, clarinet, piano, double bass and percussion.

Klezmer, traditionally deeply rooted in the culture of Ashkenazi Jews from Central and Eastern Europe, is characterized by rousing dance melodies, ritualized sounds and virtuoso improvisations. Originally, this music was often played at celebrations and social events. The influences are multi-faceted - from the Ottoman Empire to German and Slavic folklore. Klezmer has also experienced exciting changes over the years in the USA, with elements of the American big band style finding their way into it. Overall, Klezmer is more than just a musical genre; it is a living part of Jewish traditions and a testimony to cultural diversity.

A celebration of classical sounds

On August 30th, the city of Naumburg will become the hub for classical music lovers. The MDR Symphony Orchestra performs together with organist Denny Wilke. This concert, titled “Bach plus,” focuses on the majestic sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach. Under the direction of concertmaster Orin Laursen, the Orchestral Suite No. 2 as well as some moving pieces by Franz Schreker and Edvard Grieg will be performed, which are sure to captivate the audience.

Another highlight of this day takes place in the ballroom of the Wartburg in Eisenach. The famous pianist Marc-André Hamelin will perform his art and enchant the audience with works such as Liszt's “Tannhäuser” overture and a Schubert sonata. The romantic design of the ballroom and the unique acoustics make this concert a must for music lovers.

The jazz part and the current trend

The musical weekend concludes with a concert with the Stiehler/Lucaciu duo and the MDR Symphony Orchestra in Zwickau on August 31st. Here, pianist Sascha Stiehler and saxophonist Antonio Lucaciu combine jazz arrangements with new songs that tell stories from everyday life and move charmingly between classical, pop and jazz.

So it will be a weekend full of outstanding music that will leave no heart untouched. The various concerts of the MDR Music Summer not only provide a stage for different styles of music, but also promote exchange and connection between cultures and traditions.