8 Kolobrzeska, Bydgoszcz, Poland
A themed dining is always a good choice when visiting another city. It is an amazing opportunity to experience first-hand some of the tradition and culture. And there is no better way than to have an authentic and tasty meal while enjoying a local band. An evening with live Klezmer music and Jewish cuisine will almost directly transfer you to the beginning of 20th century giving you insight into the Jewish culture of the old days.
Please note that ITS-Poland works with groups only (10 participants and more).
Kraków offers limitless opportunities and unique ways to spend your time and learn something new at the same time. The historic district of Kazimierz is no different and one of multiple ways to enjoy your stay in Kraków is themed dining combined with the experience of live Klezmer music while you are at it.
The Jewish people have always played an important role in the history of Krakow and Kazimierz with major influence on local economy as well as culture.
Kazimierz, that is known as a district of Krakow, used to be a stand-alone city. It was granted city rights in early 14th century, not too long after Jews in the Kingdom of Poland received numerous rights, such as freedom of religion, trade and travel. Since the very beginning it has been one of the most significant spiritual and cultural Jewish centres in Poland and home to many Jewish scholars and artists. As such it was also referred to as Oppidum Judaeorum, meaning the Jewish City.
For the most part Jewish and Polish people lived in Krakow and Kazimierz in seamless harmony and just before the WWII Jewish inhabitants accounted for roughly a quarter of Krakow’s population with as many as 120 synagogues throughout the city.
During the post-war era and under the communist regime Kazimierz and Jewish presence was somewhat forgotten. However, in modern days it is once more a vibrant part of Krakow filled with tradition and Jewish heritage right at your fingertips.
Klezmer translates directly to musical instruments and only with time the term began to describe the musicians themselves. The genre is associated mostly with the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe with evident influence of Romani music, as historically both ethnic groups lived close by and their cultures intermingled.
Originally, the Klezmer music was dance oriented and performed at weddings and other celebrations.
The musical pieces by Klezmer bands are generally lively, instrumental and of expressive melodies. However, they often vary in tempo and key even within one tune – much like jazz compositions.
Klezmer Hois – a house of klezmer is, among many other such venues in Krakow, a perfect place to experience some of the authentic feel of the Jewish culture right in the middle of historic Kazimierz district. The building itself is an old ritual bathhouse, known as Mikvah, right by the Ramah Synagogue. It offers a true pre-war atmosphere, traditional cuisine with kosher option and daily live performance at 20:00. The guests can enjoy their dinner before or during the show and an option to have a live band during lunch is also available.
Live performances by either Nazzar Group or The Klezmorim Trio will undoubtedly provide the visitors with memorable experience.
Nazzar Group was formed by three students of the Academy of Music in Cracow, Leszek Dzierzega (violin), Kamil Błoniarz (accordion) and Krzysztof Augustyn (double bass) out of their passion for Jewish culture and music. They repertoire is a distinct interpretation of this art form. Original and emotional musical arrangements are filled with elements of Jazz, Balkan and Folk music, as well as a touch of classical music, which is quite rare in this genre.
The Klezmorim Trio is made up of musicians who share a passion for Jewish and Balkan klezmer music: Karolina Stasiowska (viola and vocal), Marcin Wiercioch (accordion) and Piotr Południak (double bass). Inspirations of the Ashkenazi culture of the Galician diaspora transfer their audience to the musical world of pre-war shtetls. Apart from performing the most popular songs in Yiddish the group shares some of the background and stories about how they were written. Klezmorim Trio is a perfect combination of traditional Jewish melodies and original arrangements that are always well received by the audience.
