The highly successful “World Music Fusion” concert series continues with more exciting world music performances by European and Asian artists coming to Trenčín. On 18 September, Bulgarian folk-rock band Ethérea will take the stage, followed on 20 September by the South Korean duo Daaa Chan, featuring an outstanding player of the traditional string instrument, the gayageum.
The music of Ethérea is rooted in Bulgarian folk songs, which the band has reworked into a contemporary musical language. Their sound is dominated by beautiful Bulgarian melodies and the singer’s distinctive vocals, complemented by the band’s rock-oriented sound. Their style can be described as psychedelic folk, while also incorporating many elements of jazz and electronic music. The concert will take place on 18 September at 7:00 PM in the Atrium beneath the City Tower in Trenčín. Admission is free.
Exclusive guests from faraway South Korea, the duo Daaa Chan, will arrive with an unusual musical project. Young virtuoso musician and composer Kim Da-hye plays the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument. The duo’s sound also features the distinctive hourglass-shaped janggu drum. Both instruments serve as vehicles for contemporary artistic expression focusing on emotions and nature, with a strong emphasis on environmental themes. Their performance will take place at the Refectory of the Piarist Grammar School in Trenčín on 20 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Both concerts are taking place thanks to a collaboration with the World Music Festival Bratislava, whose 11th edition will be held in Bratislava from 17 to 20 September 2026. In addition to the aforementioned artists, the programme will feature prominent names from the Slovak music scene, including Júlia Kozáková with her Manuša programme and OĽUN with a live version of the NEO recording. Other international guests include Italian singer Maria Mazzotta, Armenian duduk player Arsen Petrosyan with guest Karin Sarkisjan, the Indian duo Violin Sisters, and Slovak-Norwegian duo Michaela Antalová and Adrian Myhr. Slovak performers will also include the gypsy jazz quartet Maringotka, Mojše Band elektro, and Nina Rosa.
As is tradition, the Bratislava festival offers not only musical performances but also a range of accompanying activities, including a music therapy workshop, an international music conference, and so-called Speedmeetings – short meetings between Slovak artists and international festival delegates. The festival events are open to everyone interested.
The “World Music Fusion” concert series has enriched the musical programme of Trenčín European Capital of Culture 2026 with remarkable events featuring musicians from different parts of the world, giving audiences the opportunity to discover both the traditional and contemporary faces of today’s global music scene. Highlights have included concerts by Finnish band Värttinä, a Sufi ritual performed by the Syrian ensemble Jawa, the Indian ensemble SurVasha, as well as the dance performance “Yo Bailo” by flamenco dancer María Moreno, the unforgettable performance “The Passion” by SĽUK, and performances by Slovak groups including Ondro a kamaráti, Aurelius Q., Pánov času, Pekovcov, and others.
