20 years of the House of Folk Music

In 2006, the House of Folk Music (HdVM) opened its doors in the cantonal capital of Uri, Altdorf. Two decades later, the competence center has become an integral part of the Swiss folk music landscape: it documents, communicates and promotes local folk music in all its regional and stylistic facets - from traditional, rustic dance music to contemporary trends. Sheet music, recordings, photos and books are collected and made available online to all interested parties via the folk music collection.

Simone Felber elected President

The anniversary general meeting on April 9, 2026 was marked by a new beginning. Those present officially elected Simone Felber, who has been President of the sponsoring association since the beginning of the year, into office. According to information on the website of the HdVM As an active singer, yodeller and choir director, she is not only interested in documentation and research, but above all in communication. «The House of Folk Music performs an important bridging function: it preserves tradition and at the same time is dedicated to contemporary creation,» she is quoted as saying in her inaugural speech. Her credo: «Everyone is welcome here.»

Vision: A house for everyone

A central topic at the General Assembly was the future of the HdVM at the Zeughaus site on Lehnplatz in Altdorf, where the competence center has been based as a subtenant of the canton for twenty years, as the HdVM writes further. After plans were announced last fall to gut the historic building and convert it into a Chamber Music Hall the HdVM has made its own vision public. The aim is to create a lively, open house with space for events and room for archives, offices and course rooms. The plan is to collaborate with local partners such as the Uri Theater and the Uri Music School.

tutti« magazine and folk music festival

Instead of a big anniversary celebration, the HdVM is putting its energy into two projects. With the new magazine «tutti», it wants to provide regular information about its work and share the surprising stories that the team encounters in the course of its work with its readers.

The real centerpiece of the anniversary year is the Altdorf Folk Music Festival in June. This is the eighth edition of the event, which takes place every two years. This year, more than 40 formations with musicians from all 26 cantons are expected. Over three days, they will provide an insight into the diversity of Swiss folk music - from traditional dance music to contemporary projects.

Brass music spectacle between two worlds

The German-Swiss premiere of the cross-Röstigraben project Traktorkestar & Harmonie Lausannoise under the direction of Antoine Rabut deserves special mention. This is «a concertante spectacle between power and elegance, classical music and Balkan dance», says Balthasar Streit, musical director of Traktorkestar, in the HdVM media release of April 13. On the evening of June 13, «two completely different worlds will come together, so there will be a lot of improvisation and surprises are guaranteed.»

Further information: folkmusicfestival.ch