Between Tradition and the Present
Jewish music is more than a repertoire to me. It's part of my own story, and it has been with me since childhood.
As a cantor and singer, I bring this lived tradition together with an open, contemporary musical language. Working with experienced musicians, this becomes concerts, special moments in the synagogue, and authentic musical accompaniment for Jewish celebrations.
From Chassidic niggunim and Yiddish songs to traditional melodies and Israeli music: what matters most is the meaning of the music, where it comes from, and the connection with the people who experience it.
My Music
Concerts · Festivals · Cultural Events
Jewish tradition in dialogue with jazz.
With Neschome, Jewish and Chassidic melodies meet contemporary arrangements and the musical freedom of jazz. The ensemble is available for full concert programs at theatres, festivals, museums, synagogues, and cultural venues.
Neschome →
Weddings · Bar/Bat Mitzvahs · Private Events
One concept for the whole evening.
Michael Kaner & Band accompanies your entire wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or celebration: from the ceremony through the reception and dinner to the hora and the international party with pop, soul, funk, disco, and dance music — with a DJ available on request, alongside the band.
Weddings & Bar/Bat Mitzvahs →
Synagogue · Holidays · Ceremonies
Prayer and music from lived tradition.
As a cantor, I accompany Jewish communities at services, for Shabbat, and on Jewish holidays. I also lead private religious ceremonies personally, in close coordination with the community or family.
More about my work as a cantor →Michael Kaner & Band · Weddings & Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
A Jewish wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah has many different musical moments. Michael Kaner & Band accompanies the entire event with a jointly planned musical concept — from the chuppah and reception through the dinner music to the hora and the evening's party.
Jewish and traditional melodies as well as Israeli classics belong to the repertoire just as much as international pop, soul, funk, disco, and dance music. This keeps the Jewish identity of the celebration alive, while the party brings together guests of every generation and musical taste.
On request, a DJ joins the band for the international party — either alternating with or combined with the live set, so the evening keeps going without a break.
Lineup, repertoire, and running order are all coordinated personally with the couple, the guests, and the venue.
The running order here follows the example of a wedding — the same musical concept applies equally to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other Jewish celebrations.
Neschome · Michael Kaner & Band
Neschome brings together Jewish, Yiddish, and Chassidic music with modern arrangements and a musical practice rooted in jazz. Working with musicians from Austria's jazz scene, this creates distinctive interpretations that stay connected to where the melodies come from, while making room for improvisation and new musical perspectives.
The programs are aimed at concert promoters, festivals, theatres, museums, synagogues, and cultural institutions in Austria and internationally.
Dates
Chanukka with Neschome
TAKTLOS· 7:00 PM
About Michael Kaner
Born in Vienna, I grew up in a Chassidic household. Jewish traditions, prayers, and melodies were a natural part of my life from early childhood.
I spent five years at a yeshiva in Israel, deepening my knowledge of Jewish teaching, history, and tradition. After returning to Vienna, I sang for ten years as a tenor in the choir of the Vienna Great Synagogue under Oberkantor Shmuel Barzilai. There I trained in Nusach and began performing as a chazan and singer in Jewish communities across Austria and Germany.
Since 2018, I have served as cantor in Graz, and since 2023 as cantor of Salzburg as well. Alongside my work as a cantor, my own musical path developed in parallel: bringing deeply rooted Jewish music together with experienced musicians, contemporary arrangements, and a lively stage presence.
Watch & Listen
Experience excerpts from concerts and cantorial moments — from intimate piano accompaniment to a full band performance.
Performances
From Vienna, I'm available for concerts, religious services, weddings, and other events throughout Austria and internationally.
Depending on the occasion, I perform solo, with piano, as a small ensemble, or with the full band. Lineup, repertoire, and musical scope are put together to match the venue and your vision.
Book a PerformanceInquiry
Are you planning a concert, a wedding, a Jewish celebration, or looking for a cantor for your community? Send me a short message — I'll get back to you personally to discuss all the details and musical options.
Phone: +43 660 372 68 18
Email: contact@michaelkaner.com