When and how was Mnozil Brass born?

The band was born in 1992, in Josef Mnozil’s Pub in Vienna.

What is the idea behind it?

To make great music of any style and… to not be boring.

So what’s the whole story behind the name?

Well, we used to meet up at Mnozil’s Pub to jam once a month. This is where it all started, so we figured Mnozil Brass is definitely the right name.

You are all musicians first and foremost – what made you think of combining this with comedy?

Life is short, so we’re trying to have fun.

How do you describe the Mnozil brand of humour?

Sometimes dark, sometimes stupid, some times sad. When we’re putting on a show, we want the crowd to be amazed.

What are the biggest challenges in pulling this off?

Getting all elements together in the right place at the right time. It’s all about the timing, I guess.

What does a Mnozil rehearsal session look like?

Enthusiastic and chaotic.

Can you share a funny on-stage story, maybe when something didn’t go as planned?

There are as many fun, unexpected moments as there are shows. Something always goes wrong, but that creates tension and something new, almost every time. To share one particu­lar story, Robert once tried to leave the stage through a fake door that happened to be there for some theatrical play – that one was a gem!

What is the process like – do you choose your music to complement the comedy, or vice-versa?

First comes the music, the rest is worked out as we go along. It’s not always about comedy, it’s about creating pictures to the music.

What about the creative process?

Everyone throws something into the soup and we work it out together. Some have more ideas than others, but it’s always the group that works it out together.

Does the fact that you do comedy mean you can never do dramatic music pieces? Or is this not true?

Definitely not true; you have to see for yourself!

What is the reaction of those who have never seen you perform before?

Most people love it, because it’s very original, and the music is on a very high level.

Classical music lovers can be a bit snobbish. Have you ever had negative feedback for mixing classical music with comedy?

Yes. For example, the show about Richard Wagner that we put up in 2013 didn’t bring us only love, especially from Wagnerian hardliners.

What are you planning for Malta?

Putting on the best show we can.

Mnozil Band performs as part of the Malta Arts Festival on July 9 at Fort St Elmo, Valletta.

www.maltaartsfestival.org