A crooner is a singer who, thanks to the invention of the microphone, popularized a soft, intimate, and breathy singing style. This style is characterized by emotional, sentimental performances. Straight singing without heavy improvisation, often with high emotional emphasis. The era of the classic crooner came to a partial end with the rise of rock ’n’ roll in the 1950s, yet the style remains a timeless symbol of elegance.

2025 was a special year for me. After 40 years of musical work as a crooner, I was able to deliver a magnificent concert with a big band conducted by Barbara Bruckmüller at Porgy for my 70th birthday. The second concert day with Joanna Lewis’s string ensemble and my band was also a wonderful experience and a great success. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Barbara Bruckmüller once again for her elaborate and sensitive arrangements.

Thank you to Christoph Huber, who for the past ten years has consistently given me the opportunity to grow and present my projects.

This year, the concert is also meant to be a thank-you to the wonderful musicians in my band; through them, I feel I have truly found my place. Thank you for your empathy, the space, and the security that allowed me to develop my voice and interpretation. Let’s have a big celebration and have fun one more time. (Herb Caruso)