Two representatives of the Ukrainian traditional music industry represented the country at the WOMEX 2024 music conference in Manchester, UK, which took place from October 23-27, 2024.
The delegation included:
Polina Zapolska – a cultural manager, co-organizer of the Summer School of Traditional Music (2018, 2021, and 2023), co-founder of the traditional dance school “Zachepykha,” and a member of the band “Stantsiya Syvash.”
Zakhar Davidenko – a violinist in the band “DvaTry,” which explores and promotes traditional dance music from Polissya and the Dnipro region, as well as a host of author programs about Ukrainian folklore on Radio Kultura.
The Ukrainian Institute covered the logistics and participation costs for the selected participants.
WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) is one of the largest international and culturally diverse music events in the world, bringing together over 2,600 professionals from more than 90 countries. It showcases traditional music from around the world, including both traditional and genre-blending music. The program features a market, public discussions, networking, concerts, film screenings, and awards.