Generally speaking, November isn’t anyone’s favourite month in our part of the world. But even if the ambience, temperature or daylight aren’t its strong points, it has long been a distinctive presence in Kraków’s cultural calendar. For obvious reasons it kicks off with the All Souls “Zaduszki” Jazz Festival: this year’s programme features performances by the exuberant Trombone Shorty, the acclaimed percussionist Simon Phillips and the legendary Laboratorium ensemble. The festival atmosphere is maintained by Etiuda&Anima, a major celebration of European films by young authors and masters of animation.
But the month’s significance is perhaps stressed all the more by the wealth of individual concerts and spectacles, many of them premieres. You just have to cast your eye over the thousand or so events in our calendar to appreciate Kraków – perfect if you are hoping to break the cycle of autumn blues. Let’s explore the repertoires at twenty music clubs in the city centre, several of which are just starting out, as well as Kraków’s largest concert halls, from the recently reopened Studio (Gogol Bordello, Asaf Avidan) to performances by global stars such as Andrea Bocelli and Havasi at Tauron Arena Kraków. The month culminates with a huge event at ICE Kraków: Piotr Anderszewski and Sinfonietta Cracovia appear as part of the ICE Classic cycle.
