Bani Hill Band are admired due to wonderful voices, perfectly dominated instrumentals and devotion to the music, carried out with inexhaustible power and energy. Seven men catch your attention and won’t let you go. The energy of their music is impressive, as it's coming deep from the heart and touching the roots of their homeland.
With members coming from different regions, both East and West Georgia, Bani combines the Georgian folk songs with the whole Caucasus music and culture uniquely. Their music reaches millennia back, as choir singing is one of the things that reflects national Georgian authenticity and is recognized by UNESCO as a world’s masterpiece of polyphony. This unique singing style was formed during centuries and was transmitted from generation to generation. Bani Hill Band plays music with the respect for their culture and at the same time, as true artists, give it a revolutionary kick.
Bani Hill Band was born in the streets of Tbilisi and became popular in the whole Caucasus and beyond. The men got to all Georgians’ hearts – they play from small weddings to the biggest festivals and halls, their songs are played all over the Caucasus, from small bars to top radio hits.
Now Bani Hill Band are ready to hit Europe!
Mate Pirtskhelava - panduri, vocals
Raul Bitsadze - panduri, vocals
Besik Metreveli - garmon, vocals
Goga Nikoladze - bass
Gela Gogishvili - dhol, vocals
Besik Kvitsiani - keyboard, vocals
Beqa Miqadze - percussion, effects, vocals
Artists
The whole line-up will be announced in the middle of May 2024. Keep an eye on our website and social media!
Bani Hill Band
Georgia
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
Apulia, South Italy
Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, formed in 1975 by the writer Rina Durante, is the first and most important ensemble to produce popular music from Salento (Apulia). The fascinating dichotomy between tradition and modernity characterizes the music of CGS: the group reinterprets in a modern key the traditions that revolve around the famous pizzica tarantata ritual, which had the power to cure through music, trance and dance the bite of the fearsome tarantula.
The CGS’s albums and performances are an explosion of energy, passion, rhythm, and magic, which captivate the audience and, through the beat of the tambourine, engage the public in a journey that goes from the past to the present of the culture of Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy).
Their last album, Meridiana (2022), was the “Album of the year” at the World Music Charts Europe. In 2018 the CGS received the Songlines Music Award as “Best group”, assigned for the first time to an Italian group. In 2014, their song “Sola Andata” – based on a text by Italian writer Erri De Luca – received the “Art and Human Rights Prize” by Amnesty International. In 2012, they took part in globalFEST in New York, during which the CGS was defined by The New York Times as: «a whirlwind». That same year, CGS was the only Italian group at WOMEX Festival, the most important world music expo in the world.
Mauro Durante - vocals, percussions, violin
Alessia Tondo - vocals
Silvia Perrone - dance
Giulio Bianco - bagpipe, harmonica, flutes, bass
Massimiliano Morabito - organ
Emanuele Licci - vocals, guitar
The CGS’s albums and performances are an explosion of energy, passion, rhythm, and magic, which captivate the audience and, through the beat of the tambourine, engage the public in a journey that goes from the past to the present of the culture of Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy).
Their last album, Meridiana (2022), was the “Album of the year” at the World Music Charts Europe. In 2018 the CGS received the Songlines Music Award as “Best group”, assigned for the first time to an Italian group. In 2014, their song “Sola Andata” – based on a text by Italian writer Erri De Luca – received the “Art and Human Rights Prize” by Amnesty International. In 2012, they took part in globalFEST in New York, during which the CGS was defined by The New York Times as: «a whirlwind». That same year, CGS was the only Italian group at WOMEX Festival, the most important world music expo in the world.
Mauro Durante - vocals, percussions, violin
Alessia Tondo - vocals
Silvia Perrone - dance
Giulio Bianco - bagpipe, harmonica, flutes, bass
Massimiliano Morabito - organ
Emanuele Licci - vocals, guitar
Curly Strings
Estonia
Curly Strings is an acoustic band consisting of four members who draw inspiration from their personal tradition within the current Estonian cultural landscape. The foundation of their original compositions is passionate and high-spirited playing style, memorably beautiful melodies, and sincere performance. The band's rise to stardom in the Estonian music scene in 2013 was a phenomenon of its own, and thanks to that, the band's music reached the hearts of many Estonians, where it remains to this day.
Eeva Talsi - fiddle, vocals
Taavet Niller - double bass, vocals
Peeter Priks - guitar, vocals
Villu Talsi - mandolin, vocals
Eeva Talsi - fiddle, vocals
Taavet Niller - double bass, vocals
Peeter Priks - guitar, vocals
Villu Talsi - mandolin, vocals
Duo Ruut
Estonia
Duo Ruut is an alliance of two good friends with different musical backgrounds and tastes, drawing inspiration from their ancestors' heritage. Playing together on one zither opens up new inventive ways of playing and gives life to their minimalist and fresh music.
During a short period of time Duo Ruut have already toured around the world and performed at many prominent festivals, including Celtic Connections, Womex, Trans Musicales and Eurosonic. Within the last two years, they’ve played in almost twenty different countries and their music has received a lot of international media attention, such as MOJO, Le Monde, BBC3, The Arts Desk, Songlines etc.
Ann-Lisett Rebane - vocals, zither
Katariina Kivi - vocals, zither
During a short period of time Duo Ruut have already toured around the world and performed at many prominent festivals, including Celtic Connections, Womex, Trans Musicales and Eurosonic. Within the last two years, they’ve played in almost twenty different countries and their music has received a lot of international media attention, such as MOJO, Le Monde, BBC3, The Arts Desk, Songlines etc.
Ann-Lisett Rebane - vocals, zither
Katariina Kivi - vocals, zither
Eva Väljaots & Robbie Sherratt
Estonia
Eva & Robbie write and perform music rooted in Estonian and English folklore. Combining kannel, fiddle and vocals in a rich and enchanting way, they create a colourful and charming duo in which good harmony comes first. Their music, both tradition sensitive and modern, is abounded with improvisation and spontaneity. At Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2024, Eva Väljaots & Robbie Sherratt will celebrate their newly released debut album Skylark with a unique programme made in collaboration with biologist and field recorder Veljo Runnel.
Like traditional music, the sounds of nature are characterized by rhythms, motif and repetition with the tape also capturing hints of the author’s own story and surroundings. The duo interprets and imitates these stories, inviting the listener on a hike through the wilderness.
Eva Väljaots - kannel, hiiu kannel, vocals
Robbie Sherratt - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Like traditional music, the sounds of nature are characterized by rhythms, motif and repetition with the tape also capturing hints of the author’s own story and surroundings. The duo interprets and imitates these stories, inviting the listener on a hike through the wilderness.
Eva Väljaots - kannel, hiiu kannel, vocals
Robbie Sherratt - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Florence Adooni
Ghana
It is difficult to stand still when Florence Adooni connects history and modern times with her contagious dance music. The Ghanaian singer is part of her homeland’s thriving Frafra Gospel scene, which was made to be sung standing at a crowded Sunday service, while backed by sweaty clapping. “The queen of Frafra Gospel” mixes this gripping expression with another of Ghana’s strongest and proudest musical traditions: a melodic and rhythmic pulsating highlife, where local Ghanian traditions combine with inspiration from pop, rock and jazz, including lots of festive horns. After all, she was raised in the town of Kumasi, which is known as being the epicentre of the highlife genre.
By the time of Viljandi Folk Music Festival Florence Adooni will release her first full album.
By the time of Viljandi Folk Music Festival Florence Adooni will release her first full album.
Fylgja
Estonia
Fylgja is a group of four fiery musicians playing heavier folk music. They use folkloric texts and traditional melodies and spice things up with their own creations. Many of their tunes tell stories of young girls: for example of a lass called Mann who decided to leave the countryside and move to town, or two girls who struggle because they both love the same boy.
Fylgja was formed by the students of the UT Viljandi Culture Academy, and accordingly, they began performing early on at the Green Stage of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. By now they have grown so much that they recorded their first album 'Mets ja maa' last winter, which they will now share with the audiences.
Kerli Kislõi - drums, garmon, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Jürgel - electric guitar, vocals
Jaagup Jürgel - bass guitar
Martin Kalm - electric guitar
Fylgja was formed by the students of the UT Viljandi Culture Academy, and accordingly, they began performing early on at the Green Stage of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. By now they have grown so much that they recorded their first album 'Mets ja maa' last winter, which they will now share with the audiences.
Kerli Kislõi - drums, garmon, vocals
Susanna Viktoria Mõtsmees - flute, bagpipe, vocals
Liina Jürgel - electric guitar, vocals
Jaagup Jürgel - bass guitar
Martin Kalm - electric guitar
Gabba
Norway/Sami
Driven to boost and explore the cultural heritage of Sápmi, the band aims to amplify the extraordinary traditional Sami yoik. With Southern Norwegians in his back, the yoik master John André Eira from far north in Mazé, Guovdageaidnu, brings his ancestral legacy and original compositions to Gabba’s music, creating a sound that is both haunting and captivating. In 2023, the band received the Norwegian grammy Spellemannprisen for their debut album entitled "Gabba". Humbled and honored they continue to develop and play their music across the borders. As the band is ambitious in their music, they are in the making of their second album: Vuossárga Luohti, meaning Yoikes on the first day of the week.
John André Eira - vocals, percussion
Ola Brandsnes Vårtun - banjo, keys, backing vocals
Espen Bakke - bass, backing vocals
Christoffer Mietle Furuheim - Guitar, backing vocals
Idar Eliassen Pedersen - trumpet, backing vocals
Marius Trøan Hansen - drums, backing vocals
John André Eira - vocals, percussion
Ola Brandsnes Vårtun - banjo, keys, backing vocals
Espen Bakke - bass, backing vocals
Christoffer Mietle Furuheim - Guitar, backing vocals
Idar Eliassen Pedersen - trumpet, backing vocals
Marius Trøan Hansen - drums, backing vocals
Heino Eller Music College - The Department of Folk Music 10!
Estonia
The folk music department of Heino Eller Music College is one of a kind. Its main focus is on studying and interpreting Estonian folk music at the secondary school level. Over the course of ten years, the department and its graduates have developed their own style or pattern, Estonian folk music is played and interpreted with endless joy and curiosity, respect and attention to detail. Musicians and groups who have emerged from the department, such as Vabariigi Pillimees Kert Krüsban, Duo Mann ja Juula, Duo Mänd/Krüsban, Pärlin, ViuVäuVau, and Nova Lyre, have won various awards and left an important mark on the Estonian folk music scene, shaping it both today and in the future.
The celebratory concert is a journey through folk music and various village musicians, instrument traditions, and regions of Estonia: accordion and kannel music from South Estonia, bagpipe music from the islands, violin and Jew’s harp music from the coastal areas, etc. The repertoire consists only of Estonian folk music, performed by smaller groups and solo players, as well as a large joint orchestra composed of teachers, students, and alumni.
The celebratory concert is a journey through folk music and various village musicians, instrument traditions, and regions of Estonia: accordion and kannel music from South Estonia, bagpipe music from the islands, violin and Jew’s harp music from the coastal areas, etc. The repertoire consists only of Estonian folk music, performed by smaller groups and solo players, as well as a large joint orchestra composed of teachers, students, and alumni.
Hypnosis Negative
Estonia/Canada
Hypnosis Negative – the feeling of being turned inside out, chasing your own feet around the floor. Fiddle and flute play a psychedelic array of traditional dance tunes the colour of blackberries and the texture of ice snapping across the lake in spring. Combined with tectonic gestures on drums and electric banjo, Hypnosis Negative creates a massive and powerfully danceable sound that sits at the unreal intersection of folk music, EDM, and jazz fusion. Katariina Tirmaste (Estonia) and Alan Mackie (Canada) are the core of this group, animating traditional music from their homes and from along the roads in between, collaborating regularly with other musicians from around the world. This year's festival set features a rare appearance by two of Toronto’s most creative accompanists, Jaron Freeman-Fox and Steven Foster.
Katariina Tirmaste - flutes & jaw harp
Alan Mackie - fiddle
Jaron Freeman-Fox - electric banjo
Steven Foster - drums
Katariina Tirmaste - flutes & jaw harp
Alan Mackie - fiddle
Jaron Freeman-Fox - electric banjo
Steven Foster - drums
Juhan Uppin
Estonia
Juhan Uppin is a versatile Estonian diatonic accordion player whose music is deeply rooted in tradition. Although the Estonian Teppo-type accordion is a folk instrument with a strong tradition, Uppin has always treated it also as a contemporary musical instrument. He has been a pioneer who seeks for new sounds and possibilities and has brought the playing style and repertoire of this instrument to a completely new level. His latest solo album “Switches” consists for the first time only of his own compositions. Uppin was awarded as “The Folk Musician of the Year” and “New-folk Artist of the Year” in the latest Estonian Folk Music Awards.
Katariina Tirmaste
Estonia
Katariina Tirmaste is an adventurous flutist, who seeks a sense of immediacy and constant movement in her music. Her distinctive playing style can be heard in bands such as Lonitseera, Hypnosis Negative, Kuula Hetke, and the Tomás del Real trio. At the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, she will present her solo album, which is based on the repertoire of traditional wind instruments found in the Estonian Folklore Archives.
So far, the repertoire of smaller traditional wind instruments hasn’t gained much attention from folk musicians and has had undeservedly little use. At the festival, these unique melodies are brought before a wider audience. Song by song, a dialogue unfolds between a contemporary folk musician and archaic tunes, appealing to folk music friends who enjoy heterophonic soundscapes and to everyone who appreciate intimate, chamber-like music full of nuances.
So far, the repertoire of smaller traditional wind instruments hasn’t gained much attention from folk musicians and has had undeservedly little use. At the festival, these unique melodies are brought before a wider audience. Song by song, a dialogue unfolds between a contemporary folk musician and archaic tunes, appealing to folk music friends who enjoy heterophonic soundscapes and to everyone who appreciate intimate, chamber-like music full of nuances.
Kumbia Boruka
Mexico
The roots of Kumbia Boruka are to be found in Monterrey, the cumbia capital of Mexico and the place where Hernan Cortés, the accordion player and band leader, grew up. He didn’t only learn to play the accordion from the living legend of Mexican cumbia, Celso Piña, but he was also the percussionist in the band of Celso Piña during long international tours.
Besides their own contemporary and festive compositions, the band knows how to bring new flavours to classic cumbias from the sixties, mixing it with influences from reggae, dub, African music and rock, psychedelic electric guitar melodies, an extensive rhythm section and powerful and exciting brass arrangements. The Peruvian cumbia, called chicha, is not forgotten either. The result is a hybrid cumbia, nueva cumbia, with fierce Latin energy that will blow your mind! With three albums and more than 400 shows, Kumbia Boruka has fulfilled his challenge by making the Old Continent vibrate at the emblematic rhythm of Latin America, the Cumbia.
The "Remedio" that Kumbia Boruka offers is an authentic and compelling cure against the evils of our time.
Hernán Cortés - lead voice, accordion
Christian Briseño - lead voice
Tadeo Cortés - congas, guacharaca
Jonathan Cortez Castillo - bass
Miguel Mino - guitar
Cyril Gelly - drums
Clément Buisson - trumpet
Tristan Darphin - trombone
Besides their own contemporary and festive compositions, the band knows how to bring new flavours to classic cumbias from the sixties, mixing it with influences from reggae, dub, African music and rock, psychedelic electric guitar melodies, an extensive rhythm section and powerful and exciting brass arrangements. The Peruvian cumbia, called chicha, is not forgotten either. The result is a hybrid cumbia, nueva cumbia, with fierce Latin energy that will blow your mind! With three albums and more than 400 shows, Kumbia Boruka has fulfilled his challenge by making the Old Continent vibrate at the emblematic rhythm of Latin America, the Cumbia.
The "Remedio" that Kumbia Boruka offers is an authentic and compelling cure against the evils of our time.
Hernán Cortés - lead voice, accordion
Christian Briseño - lead voice
Tadeo Cortés - congas, guacharaca
Jonathan Cortez Castillo - bass
Miguel Mino - guitar
Cyril Gelly - drums
Clément Buisson - trumpet
Tristan Darphin - trombone
Kuula Hetke x Kelly Vask
Estonia
Kuula Hetke" is an improvisational flute duo of Kärt Pihlap and Katariina Tirmaste. The duo's repertoire consists mainly of traditional motifs, which they take apart and reassemble on stage, so that the current place and moment become crucial. In addition to acoustic flute tunes, Kuula Hetke has been working on their electronic sound over the past year and added songs into their repertoire.
Kelly Vask is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose mission is to convey everything a young adult can experience through her creation. Her music combines acoustic and electronic sounds, with lyrics depicting secret nocturnal walks and heartbreakingly crisp spring mornings. Kelly Vask works as a mentor for producers at the Viljandi Culture Academy and teaches in the Music and Theatre Academy's microdegree program for music production and songwriting.
The collaboration of the flute duo and the producer brings the art and pursuit of the moment of these three young women to a new level musically. It's a heartfelt tribute to the feelings, traditions, and worldview of our predecessors.
Kärt Pihlap - flute, vocals
Katariina Tirmaste - flute, vocals
Kelly Vask - electronics
Kelly Vask is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose mission is to convey everything a young adult can experience through her creation. Her music combines acoustic and electronic sounds, with lyrics depicting secret nocturnal walks and heartbreakingly crisp spring mornings. Kelly Vask works as a mentor for producers at the Viljandi Culture Academy and teaches in the Music and Theatre Academy's microdegree program for music production and songwriting.
The collaboration of the flute duo and the producer brings the art and pursuit of the moment of these three young women to a new level musically. It's a heartfelt tribute to the feelings, traditions, and worldview of our predecessors.
Kärt Pihlap - flute, vocals
Katariina Tirmaste - flute, vocals
Kelly Vask - electronics
Lõõtsavägilased
Estonia
Lõõtsavägilased was launched in December, 2013 when Margus Põldsepp put together a group of students who had studied accordion in his class (Andres Eelmaa, Rasmus Kadaja and Tobias Tae). He wanted the students to get some experience and get to know what it feels like playing in a band. After that, the band started developing very quickly so what started out as a small project became something a lot bigger. During the first few years, they had four accordions on the stage but in 2017, the soloist Andres Eelmaa swapped his main instrument to a bass guitar to add a different hue to their music. In January 2019, Ott-Mait Põldsepp who plays the guitar and the mandolin joined the band. Lõõtsavägilased play mainly traditional music but they don’t shy away from other genres as well. Over the last ten years they’ve given more than 900 concerts and played at all the bigger folk festivals in Estonia.
Midnight Ride
United States
Midnight Ride is a band out of Nashville,Tennessee that brings traditional bluegrass to those who have never experienced the true mountain music originated in the hills of Kentucky and expresses a pure and simple life through melody to recreate the ancient tones of years past. The musicians from this band are multitalented and able to play a vast array of songs. Each musician is among the best in what they do, sharing their hard work and passion with others so that they can enjoy what bluegrass truly is about.
This band was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2021 and has been able to share bluegrass with so many who have never heard bluegrass in its truest form. People leave their concerts with an understanding what true mountain music is and have a new appreciation of the skill and harmony that came from Bill Monroe in western Kentucky.
The members of the band are world-class musicians and have played with some of the greatest musicians in bluegrass music. Their talents are exceptional and you can feel their passion for the music in every song, and it reflects in the way others feel and experience the music.
Kenneth Newell - mandolin
Jed Clark - guitar
Kelsey Crews - banjo
David Mansfield III - fiddle
Sam Stuckey - bass
This band was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2021 and has been able to share bluegrass with so many who have never heard bluegrass in its truest form. People leave their concerts with an understanding what true mountain music is and have a new appreciation of the skill and harmony that came from Bill Monroe in western Kentucky.
The members of the band are world-class musicians and have played with some of the greatest musicians in bluegrass music. Their talents are exceptional and you can feel their passion for the music in every song, and it reflects in the way others feel and experience the music.
Kenneth Newell - mandolin
Jed Clark - guitar
Kelsey Crews - banjo
David Mansfield III - fiddle
Sam Stuckey - bass
Nova Lyre
Estonia
Nova Lyre is a folk band that consists of three young musicians from South Estonia. They use traditional singing and archaic instrumental music in their compositions, putting them in a contemporary context. With their unusual combination of instruments, Nova Lyre seeks novel and unexpected harmonies from both Estonian and global folk music traditions. The band is inspired by the musical particularities of their home, which create a magical and versatile soundscape.
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Leele Jürjen - cello, vocals
Riko Misnik - Teppo style accordion, vocal
Liina-Mai Põldsepp - fiddle, hiiu kannel, vocals
Leele Jürjen - cello, vocals
Riko Misnik - Teppo style accordion, vocal
Piret Päär and Lauri Õunapuu
Estonia
There have been thousands of professions throughout the history, some fading into the past while others emerge in the future, only to disappear again. However, there is one profession that we don’t often think about, but that is still one of the most important. This profession does not vanish as long as humanity exists: the tailor. Because: "Who would know the lords from beggars it there were no tailors?"
The tailor’s work determines whether we look like kings or paupers, a suit and tie open doors that are closed to rags. When a profession is so signifiant, it's clear that such a craftsman is worth respecting, even fearing. Those who are feared are also respected. And those who are both feared and respected inspire songs and tales. Who among us doesn't know the tale of the brave tailor? Or the song that often begins with the words: “About the tailor, long time ago …”
There are so many more of these mystical and quirky songs, and we'll share some with you.
Lauri Õunapuu - songs, bagpipe, kannel
Piret Päär - stories (in Estonian)
The tailor’s work determines whether we look like kings or paupers, a suit and tie open doors that are closed to rags. When a profession is so signifiant, it's clear that such a craftsman is worth respecting, even fearing. Those who are feared are also respected. And those who are both feared and respected inspire songs and tales. Who among us doesn't know the tale of the brave tailor? Or the song that often begins with the words: “About the tailor, long time ago …”
There are so many more of these mystical and quirky songs, and we'll share some with you.
Lauri Õunapuu - songs, bagpipe, kannel
Piret Päär - stories (in Estonian)
Puuluup
Estonia
REGIJÄLG
Estonia
Regijälg is the gathering of nine singers on the paths of traditional regisongs. Eight of them study folk singing at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy with Celia Roose
How have the regisongs touched them, and how to share that with others?
Together, they gather signs from the sod, cuckoo callings from the stones, songs from the woods, melodies from far away, and weave them into a song fabric. Folk songs become traces and clues that lead the listener to previously unknown or familiar musical roads.
How have the regisongs touched them, and how to share that with others?
Together, they gather signs from the sod, cuckoo callings from the stones, songs from the woods, melodies from far away, and weave them into a song fabric. Folk songs become traces and clues that lead the listener to previously unknown or familiar musical roads.
RURA
Scotland
“One of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene” (Songlines), RURA are multi award-winners, and one of Scotland’s most popular folk-based bands. The quartet’s fiery, rugged and progressive instrumentals on fiddle, Highland bagpipes, flute, guitar, keyboards and bodhran has placed them firmly at the forefront of 21st century Scottish folk, and at mainstage highlight at the world’s leading folk music festivals for over 10 years, touring across Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
RURA returned to stages across the UK and Europe in 2023 with their hotly anticipated fourth studio album, Dusk Moon, inspired by a deep sense of reflection and hope. Renowned for cinematic arrangements that draw from people and landscape throughout Scotland, Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, David Foley and Adam Brown’s spellbinding live show is not to be missed.
Jack Smedley - fiddle
Steven Blake - pipes, whistles, piano
Adam Brown - guitar
David Foley - bodhrán
RURA returned to stages across the UK and Europe in 2023 with their hotly anticipated fourth studio album, Dusk Moon, inspired by a deep sense of reflection and hope. Renowned for cinematic arrangements that draw from people and landscape throughout Scotland, Jack Smedley, Steven Blake, David Foley and Adam Brown’s spellbinding live show is not to be missed.
Jack Smedley - fiddle
Steven Blake - pipes, whistles, piano
Adam Brown - guitar
David Foley - bodhrán
RÜÜT
Estonia
The music of RÜÜT is rooted in our native heritage, but its top branches reach into the diversity of the contemporary world. This involves adaptations of both traditional folk songs and old instrumental tunes, alongside original compositions. In the autumn of 2023, the band released their third album. The focus of the new album Kiriküüt is on interpreting imitations of bird songs and nature sounds the musicians have gathered from Estonian folk music archives or directly from the nature. For example, Maarja Soomre found inspiration for the song “Kukumama” at home in Treimani, Pärnumaa, where she heard the common chiffchaff singing silk-solk-silk-solk. She sarted listening to the little bird one summer evening and noticed that it sings at different pitches. She transcribed the bird song into notes and found a folkloric text to go with it.
"Kiriküüt" was released under the German record label Nordic Notes and was nominated for the Best Ethno/Folk/Traditional Album title at the Estonian Music Awards. In 2023, the ensemble also released a collaborative album with Sander Mölder titled Lendas meie kopelisse, which was also released on vinyl.
Maili Metssalu - fiddle, vocals
Maarja Soomre - melodica, kannel, vocals
Juhan Uppin - Estonian diatonic accordion, kannel, vocals
Jaan Jaago - guitar, vocals
"Kiriküüt" was released under the German record label Nordic Notes and was nominated for the Best Ethno/Folk/Traditional Album title at the Estonian Music Awards. In 2023, the ensemble also released a collaborative album with Sander Mölder titled Lendas meie kopelisse, which was also released on vinyl.
Maili Metssalu - fiddle, vocals
Maarja Soomre - melodica, kannel, vocals
Juhan Uppin - Estonian diatonic accordion, kannel, vocals
Jaan Jaago - guitar, vocals
Singer Vinger
Estonia
It has been confessed At Singer Vinger's public performances, that they are actually a folk music ensemble. There's a grain of truth in every joke – several of their well-known songs are based on folk tunes. For example, "Raha" is a Sami folk tune, while the melody of "Sängiängi öö" originates from Senegal. "Oi ma lällas" is recognizably of South Estonian origin. In December of last year, in the very successful ETV show "Suust suhu" (“From Mouth to Mouth”), the band performed a rather wild rendition of the folk song "Nuttev tamm" (“Sink-sale-proo”) and Hardi Volmer's very powerful performance style added several new and exciting colors to it, sometimes even altering the meaning of the song. Taking all that into account, the festival made a proposal to the legendary Singer Vinger to put together a programme for the XXXI Viljandi Folk Music Festival, featuring both the already known Singer Vinger songs with a folk background and new interpretations of folk songs.
Singer Vinger's predecessor was the punk-parodying band Päratrust (1979), followed by Turist (1983) and then Singer Vinger (1986). Since Turist, the style presented has been neuro-rock, and still is today. The band's hits have become iconic over the years and across generations.
Hardi Volmer – vocals
Mihkel Raud – guitar
Kaarel-Eno Raud – guitar
Rein Joasoo – drums
Eerik Olle – bass
Ülo Krigul – keyboard instruments
Singer Vinger's predecessor was the punk-parodying band Päratrust (1979), followed by Turist (1983) and then Singer Vinger (1986). Since Turist, the style presented has been neuro-rock, and still is today. The band's hits have become iconic over the years and across generations.
Hardi Volmer – vocals
Mihkel Raud – guitar
Kaarel-Eno Raud – guitar
Rein Joasoo – drums
Eerik Olle – bass
Ülo Krigul – keyboard instruments
Symbio
Sweden
Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent new bands from the Nordic Folk & World music scene. With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy & accordion, an electrifying stage presence and captivating original compositions, the duo has become known as a phenomenon and have toured extensively in more than 20 countries - Europe, USA and Canada. In 2023 the duo was chosen to perform as the Official Showcase Artist Selection at WOMEX World music Expo.
The music of Symbio has been described as mesmerizing and soulful - where virtuoso folk & electronic dance music meet and becomes a cinematic experience for the listener. Hearing this symphonic duo makes you doubt about the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. Their latest album Endeavour is a sound painting where heartfelt melodies, dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats depict life-affirming themes. The album was awarded ”Best Album of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World music Awards 2023. They met during a jam-session in 2011, and when playing together for the first time, they felt that there was a special energy and musical connection between them. Right there, after their very first meeting, they decided to form Symbio. Since then, their journey as a duo continues to take them to new places, musically and geographically. Symbio’s fourth album will be released in spring 2025.
Johannes Geworkian Hellman - hurdy-gurdy, electronics
LarsEmil Öjeberget - accordion, stompboxes, electronics
The music of Symbio has been described as mesmerizing and soulful - where virtuoso folk & electronic dance music meet and becomes a cinematic experience for the listener. Hearing this symphonic duo makes you doubt about the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. Their latest album Endeavour is a sound painting where heartfelt melodies, dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats depict life-affirming themes. The album was awarded ”Best Album of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World music Awards 2023. They met during a jam-session in 2011, and when playing together for the first time, they felt that there was a special energy and musical connection between them. Right there, after their very first meeting, they decided to form Symbio. Since then, their journey as a duo continues to take them to new places, musically and geographically. Symbio’s fourth album will be released in spring 2025.
Johannes Geworkian Hellman - hurdy-gurdy, electronics
LarsEmil Öjeberget - accordion, stompboxes, electronics
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The Baltic Sisters
Estonia/Latvia/Lithuania
The Baltic Sisters is an international folk music project that was born far from the shores of the Baltic Sea, at the end of 2022 at the world music expo WOMEX, in Lisbon, where three singers from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania first met. It was the passion for sutartinės, ancient polyphonic songs from Lithuania, that initially brought the Baltic sisters together, but now their repertoire also includes Estonian and Latvian music.
At their concerts, the audience can hear Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian folk songs both separately and intertwined, resulting in a unique and distinctive musical language.
For the concert of Viljandi Folk Music festival, a fourth Baltic sister, Liene Skrebinska, joins their sisterhood.
Marion Selgall - vocals, clay bird whistle
Vineta Romāne - vocals, clay bird whistle
Laurita Peleniūtė - shruti box, frame drum, clay bird whistle
Liene Skrebinska - vocals, kokle
At their concerts, the audience can hear Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian folk songs both separately and intertwined, resulting in a unique and distinctive musical language.
For the concert of Viljandi Folk Music festival, a fourth Baltic sister, Liene Skrebinska, joins their sisterhood.
Marion Selgall - vocals, clay bird whistle
Vineta Romāne - vocals, clay bird whistle
Laurita Peleniūtė - shruti box, frame drum, clay bird whistle
Liene Skrebinska - vocals, kokle
The Singing Tree
Estonia/Latvia/Finland
Laura Lehto, Liene Skrebinska, and Kertu-Liis Õnnis are three folk musicians with different backgrounds who met through their shared interest in playing väikekannel and singing.
They have been playing their instruments separately for quite some time, but now, when the sounds of the Estonian väikekannel, Finnish kantele, and Latvian kokle are coming together, it is a good chance to share experiences, cultures, and thoughts.
The ensemble plays traditional music from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, drawing inspiration from the versatile tonal possibilities of väikekannel. Although the group is still young, they debuted with an opening concert at the International Kannel Festival last autumn.
Laura Lehto - Finnish kantele
Liene Skrebinska - Latvian kokle
Kertu-Liis Õnnis - Estonian väikekannel
They have been playing their instruments separately for quite some time, but now, when the sounds of the Estonian väikekannel, Finnish kantele, and Latvian kokle are coming together, it is a good chance to share experiences, cultures, and thoughts.
The ensemble plays traditional music from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, drawing inspiration from the versatile tonal possibilities of väikekannel. Although the group is still young, they debuted with an opening concert at the International Kannel Festival last autumn.
Laura Lehto - Finnish kantele
Liene Skrebinska - Latvian kokle
Kertu-Liis Õnnis - Estonian väikekannel
Trad.Attack!
Estonia
Trad.Attack! has made it their mission to constantly challenge themselves, to be dedicated and to surprise not only their fans but themselves as well. This year, the band will celebrate its 10th anniversary! In that time, the band has released five studio and three digital albums, all of which open up a world of complexities. The band’s goal to perform in every country of the world has taken them to 38 countries already and to almost every continent, with concerts from Australia to Canada, Chile and Malaysia. In their home country, the band tours nationwide and gives large scale concerts. Trad.Attack! has been recognised and honoured in Estonia with 29 music awards, including Band of The Year and Album of The Year. Their latest full-length album, Bring It On, was released in March 2023, and reflects the changes in the band’s members themselves and the world around them. In addition to new instruments, the band members have crossed musical paths with a number of musicians from home and abroad, such as the Georgian vocal choir Iberi, the Canadian folk-pop band The East Pointers, the founder of the band Yemen Blues, Israeli-born musician Ravid Kahalani, the authentic seto choir and others.
Sandra Sillamaa - Estonian bagpipes, Jew's harp, glockenspiel, whistles, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, brass instruments, vocals
Sandra Sillamaa - Estonian bagpipes, Jew's harp, glockenspiel, whistles, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, brass instruments, vocals
Untsakad
Estonia
The wind murmurs in the woods, when a poor gypsy appears at my window, you girl, I just can’t handle you at all, oh you light-hearted girl, you thought you’re the only one I love …
But a snake crawled in the grass and said to me: “Don’t come any nearer, she’s not blooming for you!”
A girl on the edge of a cliff, on the shore of Narva, raised her hands and heaved a sigh: “Disco is not important, punk is the main thing, this is very important indeed, my dear disco friend.” For sixteen years they ate pork with potatoes, sauce and butter, those of us who survived, they drank and they kicked and seven men ended up in jail.
The beer barrels danced and the pirates had a blast, hooray!
(Kaido Ray Kallikorm)
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
But a snake crawled in the grass and said to me: “Don’t come any nearer, she’s not blooming for you!”
A girl on the edge of a cliff, on the shore of Narva, raised her hands and heaved a sigh: “Disco is not important, punk is the main thing, this is very important indeed, my dear disco friend.” For sixteen years they ate pork with potatoes, sauce and butter, those of us who survived, they drank and they kicked and seven men ended up in jail.
The beer barrels danced and the pirates had a blast, hooray!
(Kaido Ray Kallikorm)
Ilmar Kald - violin
Jaanus Jantson - guitar
Jaanus Põlder - mandolin
Margus Põldsepp - accordions
Marek Rätsep - bass guitar
Tauno Uibo - sound wizard
Zetod
Estonia
Zetod is a musical phenomenon that was born as a youth band in 2003 in Värska, under the guidance of Kristjan Priks, a graduate of the Viljandi Culture Academy. The idea of a group of boys from Setomaa playing pop-rock in the spirit of their own culture was exciting back then, and has brought them great success, many awards and a lot of appreciation by now. In 2023, seven studio albums later, they celebrated their 20-year anniversary!
Jalmar Vabarna - vocals, guitars, garmon
Matis Leima - vocals, violin, garmon
Artur Linnus - vocals, accordion
Martin Kütt - vocals, drums
Jaanus Viskar - vocals, bass guitar
Jalmar Vabarna - vocals, guitars, garmon
Matis Leima - vocals, violin, garmon
Artur Linnus - vocals, accordion
Martin Kütt - vocals, drums
Jaanus Viskar - vocals, bass guitar
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