June 4, 2025

The world-renowned festival tours southern Italy in August and culminates in a free concert on August 23 in the town of Melpignano with more than 150,000 in attendance.

Clarinetist David Krakauer, who teaches in MSM’s Woodwinds and Contemporary Performance programs, is La Notte della Taranta’s 2025 “Maestro Concertatore” —lead artist/artistic director— working alongside the festival’s Orchestra Popolare. The event appoints a guest lead artist each year.

Now in its twenty-eighth year, La Notte della Taranta tours municipalities in the Salento region of southern Italy during the month of August celebrating “the traditional Pizzica dance and music, fused with modern influences, creating an electrifying atmosphere,” says the organizers.

“I have the opportunity to bring my whole self and sensibility to this project; adding my own imprint to this show while at the same time deeply respecting the deep tradition of the folk music of Salento/Southern Italy,” says David.

The final free concert features high-profile Italian music performers, and is broadcast live on Italy’s national television network, RAI. Watch last year’s concert here.

This summer, in addition to the festival, David will also be performing solo and chamber music performances as well as holding educational residencies in Italy and France from June to August.

In July, his critically praised ensemble Krakauer & Tagg’s Good Vibes Explosion will be performing at two of Europe’s most important jazz and world music festivals, in France.

For information on all of David Krakauer’s summer performances and educational residencies, visit his website here.

For information on Le Notte della Taranta festival tour, visit the event’s website here.

For information on the final concert on August 23, visit this page.