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Ukrainian music at the Friling Festival 2026

From 22 to 25 May 2026, the Friling Festival took place for the fifth time in Eastern Styria, Austria. Dedicated to Klezmer, Yiddish music and culture, the festival brings together musicians, educators and audiences through concerts, workshops, singing, dancing and shared cultural experiences. This year's edition focused on the dialogue between Yiddish, Ukrainian and Styrian musical traditions, highlighting the power of music to connect cultures.

A special highlight of the festival was the participation of the Ukrainian ensemble DRUZI, invited as the Artist in Residence. Together with the Styrian Klezmore String Quartet and renowned German clarinettist Christian Dawid, the ensemble performed at the opening concert, which also featured the world premiere of Dawid’s clarinet quintet “Hinterland.” Throughout the festival, the Ukrainian musicians also contributed to workshops, ensemble coaching and collaborative performances.

Over four days, the festival presented concerts, community singing sessions, dance events, a musical walking tour and 23 educational workshops dedicated to Klezmer, Yiddish singing, dance and ensemble performance. Around 450 visitors attended the public events, while many workshop participants encountered Klezmer and Yiddish musical traditions for the very first time, making the festival an important platform for cultural education and intercultural exchange.

The Austrian Cooperation Office in Lviv was pleased to support the participation of Ukrainian musicians in this international festival. Initiatives like Friling Festival strengthen long-term cultural cooperation between Austria and Ukraine, foster professional artistic exchange and help present Ukraine’s rich musical heritage to wider European audiences. They demonstrate how culture can build bridges, encourage dialogue and create lasting international partnerships.