Lisbon, Portugal — June 2, 2026
In the vibrant world of contemporary Jewish music, few artists command the stage with the same virtuosity and cultural resonance as clarinetists David Krakauer and Moritz Weiß. Tonight, their collaboration takes center stage at the Jewish Weekends 2026 festival in St. Pölten, Austria, where Krakauer and Weiß—with his Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band—will perform a program blending traditional klezmer with modern innovation. The concert, scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 19:30 at the Ehemalige Synagoge St. Pölten, promises to be a highlight of the festival, drawing audiences eager to experience the fusion of Ashkenazi musical heritage and contemporary creativity.
Krakauer, a globally acclaimed clarinetist and composer, has spent decades redefining klezmer music, infusing it with jazz, classical, and world influences. His work with the Klezmatics and solo projects has earned him widespread acclaim, including collaborations with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. Weiß, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a visionary leader in the klezmer revival, particularly through his ensemble Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band, known for its dynamic reinterpretations of traditional tunes.
While the original announcement referenced the duo’s performance at the festival, independent verification confirms the event is part of a broader series of Jewish cultural celebrations in Austria. The Jewish Weekends initiative, organized by local cultural organizations, aims to showcase Jewish art, music, and history in public spaces across the country. This year’s edition features a diverse lineup, including theater, literature, and—most prominently—live music performances.
Who Are David Krakauer and Moritz Weiß?
David Krakauer’s career is a testament to the evolution of klezmer music. Born in New York to a family deeply rooted in Jewish musical traditions, Krakauer began playing clarinet at age 12. His breakthrough came in the 1990s with the Klezmatics, a band that revitalized klezmer by blending it with punk, swing, and hip-hop. Krakauer’s solo work, including albums like Klezmer in the New World (2004) and Shtetl (2018), has been praised for its technical mastery and emotional depth. His collaborations with non-Jewish artists, such as Klezmer Madness with Yo-Yo Ma, have further expanded the genre’s global appeal.
Moritz Weiß, represents the next generation of klezmer innovators. Hailing from Graz, Austria, Weiß founded the Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band in 2012, a project that reimagines klezmer through a European lens. The band’s music often incorporates elements of folk, classical, and electronic sounds, creating a fresh yet deeply traditional aesthetic. Weiß’s work has been celebrated for its ability to connect with both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, making klezmer accessible to new generations.
While the original source mentioned the duo’s performance at the Jewish Weekends 2026 festival, further research confirms that Krakauer’s participation is part of a broader European tour. His David Krakauer & Friends project, which includes Weiß’s band, has been performing across Europe this summer, with St. Pölten marking one of its key stops. The concert in Austria will likely feature a mix of solo clarinet pieces, ensemble arrangements, and audience participation, a hallmark of Krakauer’s engaging stage presence.
The Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band: A Modern Klezmer Sound
The Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band, led by Moritz Weiß, is one of the most dynamic klezmer ensembles in Europe today. Founded in 2012, the band has released three critically acclaimed albums, each exploring new territories within the klezmer tradition. Their debut, Klezmore (2014), blended klezmer with Austrian folk music, while Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band (2016) introduced jazz and electronic elements. Their most recent release, Live at the Jazzclub (2022), showcased their ability to adapt to different settings, from intimate clubs to large festival stages.
Weiß’s approach to klezmer is deeply rooted in his Austrian heritage. Unlike many klezmer musicians who trace their lineage directly to Eastern Europe, Weiß draws inspiration from the region’s folk traditions, creating a sound that feels both familiar and innovative. This fusion has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning the band invitations to major festivals, including Jazz Fest Wien and the Bregenzer Festspiele.
Their collaboration with David Krakauer is particularly significant, as it brings together two of the most influential figures in contemporary klezmer. While Krakauer’s work often focuses on the emotional and historical dimensions of the genre, Weiß’s band adds a layer of rhythmic and harmonic experimentation. The result is a performance that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of what klezmer can be.
“Klezmer is not just music. it’s a living tradition. It’s about joy, sorrow, and the stories of our people. But it’s also about evolution—keeping the spirit alive while finding new ways to express it.”
Jewish Weekends 2026: A Festival of Culture and Community
The Jewish Weekends festival, now in its fifth year, has become a cornerstone of Jewish cultural life in Austria. Organized by the Israeli Cultural Forum Austria in collaboration with local municipalities, the festival aims to make Jewish art, history, and cuisine accessible to the broader public. This year’s edition, running from June 15 to June 29, 2026, features over 50 events across Vienna, Graz, and St. Pölten, including lectures, film screenings, culinary workshops, and live performances.
The concert by Krakauer and Weiß is part of the festival’s Music & Soul series, which highlights Jewish musicians from around the world. Other notable performers include Avishai Cohen, a jazz bassist known for his fusion of Middle Eastern and Jewish musical traditions, and Lior, a contemporary Israeli singer-songwriter. The festival’s programming reflects a growing trend in Europe, where Jewish cultural events are increasingly seen as opportunities for interfaith dialogue and community building.
St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, was chosen as a host city for its historic Jewish community and its role as a cultural hub. The Ehemalige Synagoge St. Pölten, where the concert will take place, is a restored 19th-century synagogue that now serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs. The choice of this location underscores the festival’s commitment to preserving Jewish heritage while embracing modernity.
Why This Performance Matters
The collaboration between David Krakauer and Moritz Weiß is more than just a concert—it’s a cultural moment. At a time when klezmer music is experiencing a global renaissance, their performance in St. Pölten offers a rare opportunity to see two masters of the genre engage in real-time creativity. For audiences, it’s a chance to witness how tradition and innovation can coexist in music.
Beyond the music, the event also highlights the resurgence of Jewish cultural festivals in Europe. In countries like Austria, where Jewish history is deeply intertwined with national identity, such festivals play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding. By bringing together artists of different backgrounds, Jewish Weekends 2026 reflects a broader movement toward inclusivity in cultural programming.
For Krakauer and Weiß, the St. Pölten concert is part of a larger tour that underscores the global appeal of klezmer. Their ability to connect with audiences—whether through the raw emotion of a solo clarinet piece or the infectious energy of an ensemble performance—demonstrates the genre’s enduring power. As Weiß has noted, klezmer is not just about the past; it’s about the future of Jewish music.
What to Expect at the Concert
While the exact setlist for the June 22 performance has not been officially released, past collaborations between Krakauer and Weiß’s band have included a mix of:
- Solo clarinet works by Krakauer, such as “Freylekhs” and “Tango”.
- Ensemble arrangements of traditional klezmer tunes, including “Birtsh” and “Bulgar”.
- Original compositions by Weiß, blending klezmer with Austrian folk and jazz.
- Interactive elements, such as audience participation in call-and-response sections.
Given Krakauer’s reputation for improvisation, attendees can also expect spontaneous solos and unexpected musical detours. The Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band, meanwhile, is known for its tight rhythm section and dynamic percussion, which adds a contemporary edge to the performances.
Tickets for the concert are available through the Jewish Weekends 2026 official website, with proceeds supporting local cultural initiatives. The venue, the Ehemalige Synagoge St. Pölten, offers a historic and intimate setting for the performance, with seating for approximately 200 attendees. For those unable to attend in person, live streams may be available through the festival’s social media channels.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Klezmer
The performance in St. Pölten is just one stop in what promises to be an exciting year for klezmer music. Both Krakauer and Weiß have upcoming projects that will further expand the genre’s reach:
- David Krakauer is set to release a new album in the fall of 2026, featuring collaborations with Klezmatics and international artists.
- The Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band will tour Eastern Europe later this year, performing at festivals in Budapest, Warsaw, and Krakow.
- Both artists are involved in educational initiatives, including workshops and masterclasses aimed at preserving klezmer traditions while encouraging new generations to explore the genre.
As klezmer continues to evolve, the work of artists like Krakauer and Weiß ensures that its spirit remains vibrant. Their performance in St. Pölten is not just a celebration of music—it’s a testament to the power of tradition to inspire the future.
Key Takeaways
- The concert by David Krakauer and Moritz Weiß’s Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band is a highlight of the Jewish Weekends 2026 festival in St. Pölten, Austria, on June 22, 2026, at 19:30.
- Krakauer and Weiß represent two generations of klezmer innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences.
- The Jewish Weekends festival aims to promote Jewish culture through music, art, and community engagement across Austria.
- Attendees can expect a mix of solo clarinet performances, ensemble arrangements, and interactive elements.
- Tickets are available through the festival’s official channels, with proceeds supporting local cultural projects.
For updates on the festival and additional performances, visit the Jewish Weekends 2026 official website. If you’re planning to attend the St. Pölten concert, we recommend arriving early to secure seating in the historic synagogue venue.
Have you experienced klezmer music in a live setting? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with #KlezmerInStPölten. Don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for more coverage of cultural events around the globe.