Kroke

Polish Klezmer Trio

Kroke is a Polish instrumental ensemble that was founded in 1992 in Kraków by three friends and graduates of the Academy of Music in Kraków: Jerzy Bawoł (accordion), Tomasz Kukurba (viola), and Tomasz Lato (double bass). The band's name means "Kraków" in Yiddish, reflecting the group's roots in both Polish and Jewish musical traditions. Kroke is known for their unique sound that blends elements of Eastern European folk music, Jewish klezmer music, classical music, and jazz. They gained international recognition after collaborating with violinist Nigel Kennedy in 2003 on the album "East Meets East," which explored the musical connections between Eastern European folk traditions and classical music. Kroke's music is characterized by its emotional depth, virtuosity, and improvisational style. Over the years, they have released several albums and have performed at numerous festivals and concert venues around the world, establishing themselves as prominent figures within world music circles.