Jazz Fest head dies

Heinz Krassnitzer passed away unexpectedly on 21 September at the age of 61. Krassnitzer was a vibrant performer and leader of the jazz scene for the last 40 years and main coordinator of the Vienna Jazz Festival.

Since 1991, the summer festival has been celebrating the smooth music in venues such as the Vienna State Opera, the MuseumsQuartier, and the Rathaus and has acquired a reputation as one of the most important Jazz fests in the world. His co-organiser of the Life Performing Service agency, Fritz Thom remembers Krassnitzer: "Jazz for him was his life and hobby at the same time, his one and only."