Sirba Octet

Since 1997, violinist Richard Schmoucler has been a violinist with the Orchestre de Paris, one of the world's largest and most renowned orchestras, which is based in the French capital's Philharmonie. "Music has always been part of my life," emphasizes the Frenchman. "My grandmother and aunt hummed Jewish melodies that they grew up with. My father and I improvised to them on the guitar and violin. The music strengthened the family bond. I want to pass that on to the audience." He has been cultivating this tradition since 2003 with the Sirba Octet, which brings the 1st Osnabrück Jewish Culture Festival to a lively close.  

The name illustrates the interest in Eastern European music: the term Sirba means something like "Serbian". It is a popular folk dance in south-eastern Europe, especially in some regions of Romania and Moldova, but also in Poland and Hungary. The dance is accompanied by klezmer melodies in 2/4 time. The dance was known and loved by Eastern European Jews and Roma alike. The name of the Sirba Octet thus refers to the historically close connection between Jewish and Roma musicians.  

Reducing the Sirba Octet to klezmer, however, does not do justice to the extraordinary repertoire. All of the musicians were classically trained and come from leading French orchestras. Together they build a bridge between classical music and Eastern European and Armenian sounds. In the past, they have also presented musical melodies.  

As part of the 1st Osnabrück Jewish Cultural Festival, the Sirba Octet illustrates its various influences with an exclusive best-of program. 

Before the event, you can purchase kosher food and drinks in our Street Food Court in the courtyard.  

Event information:  

Admission: 90 minutes before the event begins
With break
Food & Drinks: Enjoy a selection of delicious kosher specialties before the events and during the breaks. In the Street Food Court in the foyer, a small but fine culinary experience awaits you - inspired by the diversity of Israeli cuisine.

Photo & video recordings: Please note that photo and video recordings will be made at this event. Please speak to the photographer if you do not agree to publication.

Security: Please note that you will have to pass through a security checkpoint, so please allow sufficient time for admission. Bags are only permitted up to the size of a DIN A4 sheet (21 x 29.7 cm)

General information