Trenčín comes alive with music that breaks down genre boundaries. This May, the concert series World Music Fusion launches as part of the Trenčín 2026 programme – European Capital of Culture, which, under the motto “Awakening Curiosity”, brings unexpected connections between musical worlds.
In May 2025, the Trenčín region will host two exceptional concerts. The World Music Fusion series, curated by Jarmila Vlčková, Director of the World Music Festival Bratislava, will present performances that blend the traditional with the contemporary, folklore with jazz, and virtuosity with experimentation. The project is part of the official Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture programme, aiming to awaken curiosity, celebrate cultural diversity, and build new musical bridges across genres, generations, and communities.
A dialogue between cimbalom and double bass: Ľubomír Gašpar & Adam Ben Ezra
Refektár, Piaristické Gymnázium, Trenčín – 3 May 2025, 7:00 PM
Two masters, two instruments, one extraordinary encounter. Slovak cimbalom player Ľubomír Gašpar, recipient of the Radio_Head Award for his debut Point of View, and Israeli multi-instrumentalist Adam Ben Ezra, a global stage phenomenon with millions of online fans, will share the stage in this unique musical project. Their dialogue blends jazz, funk, world music, and Mediterranean sounds with authentic Slovak folk traditions.
“It has been my dream to play with the phenomenal double bassist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Ben Ezra,” says Ľubomír Gašpar.
Folk music as a generational statement: Ondro a kamaráti
KKC Hviezda, Trenčín – 26 May 2025, 8:00 PM
The ensemble Ondro a kamaráti, led by musician Ondrej Druga, will present songs from their acclaimed album Pod obločkom. Traditional folk melodies are reimagined in fresh arrangements, enriched by chamber and cinematic music, expressive vocals, and powerful personal stories. Some songs reflect on the artist’s family history during World War II, adding a poignant social message to the performance.
The experience will be deepened by a Singing School of Horehronie Songs, led by Ondrej Druga. Local folk singers from Trenčín are welcome to participate, with some joining the band live on stage.
Music that builds bridges – in Trenčín and across Europe
“World music fusions bring multicultural music and dance performances to Trenčín, where traditional folk expressions meet modern approaches. The festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Europe and connects different cultures and generations. The events will engage diverse audiences, deepen the perception of world culture, and create musical bridges between communities – strengthening mutual understanding and tolerance,” says Jarmila Vlčková, the series’ curator.
The Trenčín 2026 project is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region, and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The project partner is the European Union.
