In the beautiful medieval town of Romainmôtier, Switzerland, you can experience Europe's very first Throat Singing Festival! Enjoy breathtaking live concerts, an exciting throat singing competition, immersive workshops, and much more.
Experience Europe’s first-ever Throat Singing Festival in the stunning medieval town of Romainmôtier, Switzerland! Enjoy mesmerizing concerts in the country’s oldest church, an exhilarating throat singing competition, hands-on workshops, and delicious food and drinks. Dive into the rich traditions of Mongolia, Tuva, and the Altai region through captivating performances, traditional instruments, and folk dance. Whether you're a throat singing enthusiast, a world music lover, or simply curious about ancient vocal arts, this vibrant celebration promises an unforgettable experience!
The festival kicks off Friday with an incredible live concert in Switzerland’s oldest church by Duplessy & The Violins of the World. Especially for this event, they’ve crafted a program that weaves a musical journey through the Steppes—a truly unique experience!
Experience incredible live concerts by top bands, with a special focus on throat singing. Enjoy the rich sounds of traditional instruments like the Morin Khuur (Horsehead Fiddle), Tovshuur, Tsuur (Flute), Jaw Harps, and more!
Calling all throat singers! Join Europe’s first-ever throat singing competition, open to all levels—beginner to pro. Showcase your skills before an expert jury, judged on technique, creativity, and musicality. Register here.
Want to learn the basics of throat and overtone singing? Join daytime workshops led by professional throat singers and explore this unique vocal art!
Throughout the day, enjoy fascinating talks and demonstrations, including talks about Tuvan and Mongolian throat singing, insights into one of Mongolia's oldest instruments, the Tsuur flute, and the recently revived Altai Harp, rediscovered in a cave grave in Western Mongolia in 2008.
Curious about traditional foods? During the festival, indulge in authentic flavors like fried dumplings, Mongolian barbecue, and more delicious treats!
There will be a small collection of stands with music (CDs) and a variety of beautiful Mongolian souvenirs, products and crafts!
The festival takes place in the medieval town of Romainmôtier, nestled in a stunning region of Switzerland, surrounded by forests, caves, rivers, and waterfalls.
The festival gates open at 13:00. At 13:00, the official opening takes place with a beautiful throat singing performance by jury member Baatarsuren Chadraabal (Mongolia) on the main stage: free for everyone to attend. Throughout the afternoon (13:00–19:00), there will also be a Community Hangout for all throat singing competition participants — a moment to connect, share music, and prepare together for the big day.
In the evening, the stage is set for a highlight: a live concert by Duplessy & The Violins of the World, presenting their Mongolian-themed set in the stunning abbey church of Romainmôtier. Doors open at 20:00, concert starts at 20:30. Tickets for the concert available here.
| Location: | General Festival | Abbey Church | Main stage (Gardens in Praël) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | Gates open | - | - |
| 13:00 | - | - | Official opening concert by Baatarsuren Chadraabal |
| 13:00 - 19:00 | Community hangout | - | - |
| 18:00 - 20:00 | Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available) | - | - |
| 20:00 | - | Doors open | - |
| 20:30 | - | Concert: Duplessy & The Violins of the World | - |
On Saturday, August 30th, the festival is free to visit from 10:00 to 19:00. Wander around, enjoy inspiring talks, join amazing workshops, watch traditional dance and demonstrations, and connect with throat singing enthusiasts from around the world. A perfect day to discover the beauty of this unique vocal art! Tickets for the concerts starting at 19:30 available here.
| Location: | Gardens in Praël | House of the Monks | Parish Center | Yurt in Praël | Hall in Praël | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | - | Tsuur Flute Demonstration (UNESCO) | Khuumei Workshop | Steppe games: Knucklebones & Mongolian Traditions | Khuumei / Throat Singing Competition | |
| 11:00 | - | Urtiin Duu Demonstration by Narandulam (UNESCO) | - | Mongolian tales for children | ||
| 12:00 - 15:00 | Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available) | - | - | - | ||
| 13:00 | Coffee break & Discussion: "Mongolia, land of hospitality and adventure" | Biyelgee Demonstration + Workshop | - | - | ||
| 14:00 | - | - | Khuumei Workshop | Steppe games: Knucklebones & Mongolian Traditions | ||
| 15:00 | - | Urtiin Duu Demonstration by Narandulam (UNESCO) | - | Mongolian tales for children | ||
| 16:00 | - | Biyelgee Demonstration + Workshop | - | Introduction to the Mongolian language | ||
| 17:00 | - | - | Khuumei Workshop | - | Altai Harp Demonstration & Lecture | |
| 17:30 - 22:00 | Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available) | - | - | - | - | |
| 18:00 | Award Ceremony | - | - | - | - | |
| 19:30 | Concert: Khukh Mongol | - | - | - | - | |
| 20:35 | Concert: Argusan | - | - | - | - | |
| 21:40 | Concert: TengerTon | - | - | - | - | |
| 22:45 | Concert: Igor Koshkendey | - | - | - | - | |
| 00:00 | The end | |||||
Are you a throat singer, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or professional? Compete alongside fellow throat singers and showcase your skills in front of an expert jury. The jury will evaluate performances based on three key aspects: technique, creativity, and musicality. But most importantly, it's all about having fun and celebrating the incredible art of throat singing!
We're honored to have throat singers from all over the world supporting us. Though not everyone can be physically present, their digital presence inspires us, showing how throat singing connects people globally.
There couldnt be a more beautiful place for our first edition of this festival: The medieval town of Romainmôtier, nestled in a stunning region of Switzerland, surrounded by forests, caves, rivers, and waterfalls.
Echoes of the Steppe is organized and planned by Henosis SA, an organization with a heart for sharing unique cultures and arts in Switzerland.
www.henosis.ch
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