More than twenty years ago, his memories of musically fulfilling family celebrations prompted violinist Richard Schmoucler to found an ensemble dedicated to Yiddish music and the klezmer and gypsy repertoire with a fresh perspective. Today, the Sirba Octet, which brings together musicians from leading French orchestras, a pianist, a cimbalom player and an arranger, delights audiences all over the world with this unique music from Eastern Europe. Under the motto "Tsuzamen" (Yiddish for "together"), the octet and the Collegium Musicum of Heidelberg University will perform a programme of Armenian, Yiddish and Gypsy music at the festival, offering a fascinating insight into the musical culture of three European peoples whose paths crossed again and again during many migrations.