The theme of the 2026 Viljandi Folk Music Festival is "To Each Their Own Instrument."

"Based on this theme, we have sought out ensembles that play unusual but also familiar traditional instruments, and we are ready to lift the veil of secrecy. I am particularly delighted that, after many years, we can once again welcome musical guests from the Shetland Islands to Viljandi," said festival director Ando Kiviberg.

Amy Laurenson is an award-winning Scottish pianist, whose music is rooted in the traditions of Shetland. After receiving the title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023, Laurenson released her debut album "Strands," which reflects on her traditional Shetland roots and how this has grown to be intertwined with threads of contemporary influence and ideas. "Strands" was longlisted for Scottish Album of the Year Award 2024.

"HrayBery comes from the musically exciting region of Galicia on the Ukrainian-Polish border – a place where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Gypsies have lived side by side for centuries. Their performances are wild and their songs truly captivating, and of course we want to offer this atmosphere to our audience as well. HrayBery also performed on the Viljandi Folk Music Festival stage at Tallinn Music Week 2025 and left a deep impression on us," said festival program director Tarmo Noormaa.

Estonian stars Duo Ruut will also performing a special show at the festival with an expanded lineup, under the name "Duo Ruut³." Ann-Lisett Rebase and Katariina Kivi will blend their unique soundscapes with a full band, consisting of electric guitar, bass guitar and percussion.

More information about the 2026 Viljandi Folk Music Festival is available here.

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