Klezmer Festival Launches in Restored St. Pölten Synagogue Following Major Renovation
A new klezmer music festival called 'Jewish Weekends' has been inaugurated at the former synagogue in St. Pölten, Austria. The festival features performances by the Austrian band Baba Yaga, which incorporates Southeastern and oriental musical influences. The venue itself holds significant historical importance: originally opened in 1913 as an exemplary Jewish house of worship, it was severely damaged during the November Pogroms of 1938. After decades of neglect following World War II, the building underwent a gradual revitalization process. In 2024, as part of St. Pölten's bid to become a European Capital of Culture, the synagogue received a comprehensive renovation. Today, the structure is in excellent condition and hosts an exhibition detailing its complex history. Organizers established the festival to bring cultural activity and community engagement to this historically significant restored space.
Key facts
- The 'Jewish Weekends' klezmer festival is taking place at the former synagogue in St. Pölten, Austria.
- The Austrian musical group Baba Yaga is performing at the festival, drawing on Southeastern and oriental rhythms.
- The synagogue first opened in 1913 and was considered a fine example of Jewish religious architecture.
- The building was destroyed during the November Pogroms in 1938.
- After World War II, the structure fell into disrepair for an extended period before restoration efforts began.
- A major renovation of the synagogue was completed in 2024 as part of St. Pölten's European Capital of Culture application.
- An exhibition at the site informs visitors about the location's varied historical narrative.
- The festival was created to activate the renovated space with cultural programming.
Entities
Artists
- Baba Yaga
Institutions
- Former Synagogue St. Pölten
Locations
- St. Pölten
- Austria