The Berger Havlicek Orchestra

All five are sought-after soloists, each a luminary in their own right – but when they play together, it’s all about hawedehre. Music in all shades, genuine treats to enjoy, nonsense is not in short supply, and irony dances with profundity. Above, below, in front of, and behind everything lies music, and for those who have yet to experience the wonders it can work, it is high time to meet these five gentlemen in a generous mood. Wolfram Berger plays lightly and passionately with text and music, with sharp wit and spontaneous comedic bursts of energy. A chameleon of acting that fits into no drawer – at most into a somewhat cumbersome chest of drawers without a lid, with confusingly many compartments. Peter Havlicek is one of the most active, passionate, and creative musicians in the local scene, co-founder of numerous formations spanning Schrammel music, jazz, and classical. With his Viennese contraguitar and his infectious cheerfulness, he keeps the whole story resonating and shining. Wolfgang Puschnig is an extremely comedic musician of high grace, a sensitive soloist, collaborator, and exceptional talent. With his saxophone, he ranks among the most influential, best, and at the same time most unpretentious jazz musicians of our time. Christian Bakanic, composer and interpreter of Tango Nuevo, jazz, classical, contemporary, and traditional music, plays sensually and virtuously. Musicians like him are responsible for the remarkable resurgence of the accordion in recent years. Peter Rosmanith’s “percussion box” ranges from the African balafon to the Arabic frame drum and Indian tablas to the hang, and is whimsically expanded with everyday objects. Almost anything yields music from his hands.

Wolfram Berger | Voice
Peter Havlicek | Contrabass + Electric Guitar
Wolfgang Puschnig | Saxophone + Flute
Christian Bakanic | Accordion + Keys
Peter Rosmanith | Percussion