Kolsimcha - ZMF Freiburg

Since its founding in 1986, Kolsimcha has captivated demanding audiences at New York's Carnegie Hall and at leading jazz, classical, and world music festivals alike. Their concerts combine a vibrant, open musical language with infectious virtuosity, creating an atmosphere all their own - and they have brought a fresh emotional dimension to celebrated European theatre, dance, and film productions.

Clarinet and flute merge with piano, double bass, and drums into a sound that is hard to categorise. The range spans complex, spontaneous jazz improvisation, classical virtuosity, exotic melodies, and groovy rhythms. The result is an intricate sonic tapestry that draws on a wide variety of styles and influences.

More than 30 years ago the ensemble began playing traditional klezmer music at Jewish wedding celebrations. Even then, they were developing their concept of "Contemporary Klezmer" - blending Eastern European musical tradition with jazz and elements of classical music to forge distinctive sound worlds well beyond the usual klezmer clichés.

In a constant search for new musical horizons, they have over the years integrated the most varied musical forms into a personal style that wins over audiences and critics in equal measure. Stylistic openness has always defined Kolsimcha's repertoire, which consists entirely of original compositions - as their many live performances and studio recordings make clear.