The charismatic Avi Avital is undoubtedly one of the greatest mandolin players of our time. His recordings for Deutsche Grammophon are internationally acclaimed. For this program, Avital delves into classical music and also explores jazz. His congenial partner is the jazz pianist Omer Klein at his side, who has undoubtedly been elevated to the first rank of contemporary jazz pianists by the Jazz Podium.
Together they have developed a program that includes a very free performance of jazz pieces, original compositions and Israeli songs. But Avital cannot leave out Johann Sebastian Bach, his childhood hero. And here, too, he can count on Omer Klein, because he shares the great composer’s admiration. And so both have added a mandolin arrangement of Bach’s Partita No. 2, BWV 1004 to the program. This is where the improvisation of STEINWAY artist Omer Klein comes in and leads the piece on to a completely unique interpretation.
The garden concert at Villa Seligmann is an absolute highlight every year. On the open-air stage, lively soundscapes are created with reference to Jewish music as it is created in Germany today.
“For the 2024 garden concert, we have been able to attract two greats of classical music and jazz who have their own unmistakable sound,” says Eliah Sakakushev-von Bismarck, Director of Villa Seligmann. “With Avi Avital and Omer Klein, both born in Israel, it will be a celebration of crossover and improvisation in the spirit of friendship. I’m really looking forward to the concert and hope for good weather on a warm and humorous summer evening with lots of guests. Many thanks to our sponsor, the VHV Foundation, for its repeated support of our garden concert.”
