Sirba Orchestra!

A creative connection between classical tradition and the heritage of Eastern European folk music: Together with the Sirba Octet, the Tonkünstler dive into the captivating sound cosmos of Eastern Europe.

In the interplay of the balalaika, the Russian lute with its characteristic triangular resonating body, and a full orchestra—here, of course, the Tonkünstler under the direction of their chief conductor Fabien Gabel—this collective celebration of various music styles under the title Sirba Orchestra! overflows in the most beautiful sense.

In 2022, violinist Richard Schmoucler founded the Sirba Octet. Since then, members of the Orchestre de Paris, the Orchestre National de France, and the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris, along with a pianist and a cimbalom player, have redefined the lived collaboration of Klezmer, Yiddish song repertoire, and the music of Sinti and Roma together with arranger Cyrille Lehn. After holding chief positions in Quebec and international engagements in Oslo, Paris, and Lucerne, Fabien Gabel will lead the Tonkünstler Orchestra Lower Austria starting in the 2025/2026 season. He is known for his profound interpretations, stylistic range, and detailed work on sound and expression.