One of the EBU’s most enduring cultural exchanges – the Euroradio Folk Festival (EFF) – is piloting a brand-new partnership with Germany’s world famous Rudolstadt Festival.

The agreement, which will run for a minimum of three years to 2021, will combine the EFF’s tradition of showcasing Europe’s cultural diversity through music exchanges, with the well-established Rudolstadt and its annual live celebration of folk-inspired lifestyles through regional and world music.

Graham Dixon, Head of Radio at the EBU, is excited for the potential of the partnership: “We are celebrating 40 years of the EFF in 2019 and this is a great opportunity to pool resources with the world’s go-to venue for all things folk music and to present a unique level of musical expertise, emerging talent and access to broadcasting opportunities for our Members across Europe.”

Music enthusiasts will hear the best of traditional and regional music genres reflecting the diverse folk scene in Europe. Local Instruments and musical styles will feature the melodically exciting world of fiddles, accordions and balalaikas, big bands and soloists. The festival will also showcase the latest trends, migrations and encounters, typical of Europe’s folk music and lifestyle scene.

The Rudolstadt is renowned worldwide for showcasing diverse trends which, as well as encapsulating folk, will equally focus on roots and world music. This year, the festival will also include specific focus on music from Iran.

The EFF performances at Rudolstadt will be recorded and shared by host and EBU Member, MDR, to other Member radio organizations, as part of the Euroradio concert exchanges.

The 40^th Euroradio Folk Festival (EFF) will take place during the Rudolstadt-Festival (Germany), 5-7 July 2019. Full EFF programme here