Jazz Open 2026: Karolina Strassmayer & Driori Mondlak - KLARO!

In the organizer's words:

KLARO! is an international jazz quartet that combines European classical and folk influences with the energy of American jazz and contemporary harmonies. Their music ranges from grooving rhythms to poetic ballads and dynamic swing and is always full of passion and curiosity.

The group consists of Karolina Strassmayer (alto saxophone, alto flute), one of the world's leading alto saxophonists and a member of the multi-Grammy award-winning WDR Big Band Cologne. She is joined by Drori Mondlak (drums), known for her subtle, melodic and rhythmically powerful playing style, Billy Test (piano), an imaginative composer and soloist with extensive experience in jazz ensembles, and Sam Anning (double bass), an award-winning Australian bassist with international collaborations and member of the WDR Big Band.

Together they present new compositions and improvisations characterized by lyrical beauty, close musical interaction and powerful rhythmic drive.