Polyphony as living heritage: event in Vienna
On 27 March 2026, the event “Polyphony Project – presentation and workshop” took place at the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, organized by Ukraine Office Austria in cooperation with Collegium Hungaricum Wien and mdw.
The focus was on the Polyphony Project — an extensive digital archive of traditional Ukrainian multipart singing. Over several years, researchers conducted fieldwork across Ukrainian villages, documenting vocal and instrumental practices that have been passed down through generations. The collected materials were digitized, systematized, and made accessible for both researchers and wider audiences.
Project leader Miklós Both presented his field research and selected archival recordings, highlighting the challenges of documenting intangible cultural heritage, especially in times of war and social change. Ukrainian musicologist Iryna Fedun further explored different forms of polyphony and their importance for research and cultural mediation.
The Polyphony Project reflects broader international efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, in line with UNESCO approaches to preserving traditional practices and living cultural expressions. Such initiatives not only protect unique cultural voices but also foster research, education, and intercultural dialogue.
The event in Vienna served as a platform for knowledge exchange, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian musical heritage as an integral part of the European cultural landscape.
Pictures by Inna Kravchenko
