Crazy Freilach - MASA

masa (journey) - takes the audience on a journey through very different parts of the klezmer world: from Arabian rhythms, to jazzy sounds, from traditional arrangements to pop melodies, but also from the deep mourning of the Holocaust, to dances of joy.

What we now know as klezmer, has its origins in the eastern European Shtetln. These are provincial towns with a high share of Jewish population, which developed in the late middle ages, when the Ashkenazim fled east from pogroms and displacement from the communities of central Europe. Not only did they bring their possessions, but also their traditions: making music at weddings and festivities, spiritual song in the synagogues and the typical Yiddish language. From 1884 to 1924, many eastern European Jews emigrated to America and especially to New York. In this melting pot, a new klezmer scene emerged, which was initially characterised by personalities such as the clarinettist Naftule Brandwein and the King of Klezmer, Dave Tarras. Through the cultural assimilation of the following generation, klezmer music slowly became somewhat forgotten. In the 50s it gained new traction through the newly arriving eastern European Hasidim. During the mid 80s, Giora Feidmann transformed klezmer into a kind of world music, which gained it renewed European awareness. Klezmer became “in” again.

World Music

"Brilliant style" – Kölner Stadtanzeiger, 20.12.2010

Several concert tours to Israel, regular performances at the Leverkusener Jazztage (a jazzfestival in Leverkusen, Germany) as well as cooperations with the WDR and the Kölner Philharmonie have made the quintet famous, far beyond the city limits, and let their listeners take part in the colourful variety of this wonderful music. Hardly any other klezmer ensemble is so fascinated and passionate about searching for new sounds and musical ways. Through virtuoso elements, improvisations, Mediterranean melodies and casual beats and grooves, the traditional klezmer music is given its own particular charm. Combinations with other styles of music enable the band to create unexpected encounters and experiences. The musical maturity paired with fascinating arrangements and the virtuosity of the individual musicians elevates the klezmer music to a new level and takes the listener into a mysterious world. The ensemble has its origins in a thirty year old tradition of klezmer musicians from the Leverkusen City Music School, initiated by its director Jürgen Ohrem. For now ten years, the band has been going on its own way and most recently visited Israel in 2016 for a concert tour, with the help of the Leverkusener Freundeskreis NazarethIllit (sister city organization Nazareth-Illit). 

Members:

Jeannine Engelen – Vocals

Simon Boos - Clarinet

Emma Fridman - Violin

Daniel Hessel - Bass

Julian Hilgert - Guitar

Dates 2023

10. APR. - 19. APR.
CONCERT TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
DATES FOLLOW
Israel

Dates 2022

Dates 2021

11. December 2021 - 10:00
Cologne, Germany
Philharmonie Köln
20. November 2021 - 10:00
Cologne, Germany
Philharmonie Köln

Dates 2020

08. September 2019 - 16:00
Cologne, Germany
Philharmonie Köln
27. January 2020
Private concert
Leverkusen, Germany
N.A.
17. May 2020 - 15:00
Klezmertage in Chorweiler

CANCELED
31. May 2020 - 17:00
Klezmer Festival Münster

CANCELED
Münster, Germany
Friedenssaal
27. June 2020 - 19:30
Private concert

CANCELED
Leverkusen, Germany
N.A.
2. November 2020 - TBA
crazy freilach LIVE in concert
Monday concerts in the Berlischky Pavilion

CANCELED
15. November 2020 - 20:00
crazy freilach & friends
Leverkusener Jazztage

postponed to 14.11.2021
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