Womex 2015: Their fence is also our fence

The European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals will not take part in WOMEX 2015.

The situation on the Hungarian border is unacceptable. The simple fact that some of us have access to 

be present at WOMEX this year and others don´t, makes it impossible for us to be there as an 

International network. Individual members will of course choose themselves to be present or not.

Democracy, human rights, justice, freedom of expression and integration ​​are the foundation of the 

European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals, values ​​we cherish and focus on all the time and not 

the least; values ​​we may never take for granted. Unfortunately this is not the case in Hungary at the 

moment, building walls against humanity.  

We do believe that culture is an essential element of civil society. A strong, free cultural sector is a 

force for social change, nation-building, democratic development. Where words fail, music speaks. At 

WOMEX this year, music will still be played, music lovers will meet, but the European Forum of 

Worldwide Music Festivals cannot be silent watching great violation of basic human rights.

 

New member: Katowice JazzArt Festival

Since UNESCO announced 30th April as International Jazz Day, Katowice annually participates in its celebration. Katowice JazzArt Festival is a international music event that lasts over a week.

Despite the short history, Katowice JazzArt Festival has established its genuine label, as well as solid position within the whole gamut of cultural events in Silesia and in the whole country (Poland). The Festival is expanding each year, featuring real legends and exploring new lands, far beyond jazz. In last editions such artists as Polar Bear, Roberto Fonseca, Eric Truffaz, Neil Cowley or Jan Garbarek performed in various venues in Katowice.

 

In memoriam: Albert Siebelink

On September 30, 2015 our friend and colleague Albert Siebelink has passed away.
Albert never stopped being actively involved and always remained active with his strength, creativity, and great commitment, even during his illness that lasted for almost four years.
Through his large network and his love for music, arts, and culture Albert produced many beautiful projects, such as the Requiem for Auschwitz, the Folk Festival, the Accordion Festival, Festival Mundial, the Bosvreugd Variety Festival, the Cimbalom Festival, numerous concerts and theatre productions, and of course his own orchestra 'de Coup'. 

Albert was the founder of the International Gipsy Festival that celebrated its 19th edition this year. Through this festival he showed the world his love for the arts and culture of the Roma and Sinti. With every edition he presented unexpectedly brilliant artists, continuously pleasing a large audience.
With all his projects Albert brought colour, light and joy into his own life and into the lives of many people around him. 

The European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals and all his international colleagues will miss him terribly.

www.memori.nl/gedenkplaats/albert-siebelink/

 

EFWMF will hold its membermeeting next week!

From September 17th untill September 21th, the EFWMF will hold their membermeetings in Vic and Barcelona.

In Vic we'll visit Mercat de Música de Vic: www.mmvv.cat/en/
Mercat de Música Viva de Vic is a professional meeting place for all of the sectors of the music industry. A showcase for musical ideas that grow out of the exchange of information between programmers and bands, cultural managers and musicians, the music business and its public.

You can find us at the trade fair, and during the speed meetings on Friday.
Come and say hi!

In Barcelona we'll visit la Mercé: lameva.barcelona.cat/merce/en/
La Mercè is the annual celebration for the city’s patron saint. This is Barcelona’s festa major,
a popular celebration that fills the city with countless venues where artists display their talents in
more than 600 activities and shows. La Mercè is the annual celebration for the city’s patron saint. This is Barcelona’s festa major, a popular celebration that fills the city with countless venues where artists display their talents in more than 600 activities and shows.

Folk Getxo BBK 2015 – XXXI Festival Internacional de Folklore

The 31th international folklore festival of Getxo is going on until september 6th!
Big stars form the worldmusic scene meet in Getxo.
As usual, the festival offers music from different cultures, open to different cultures. Artists as Estrella Morente, Gwendal, Goran Bregovic and Oskorri, will find their way to their audience.

Discover the full program here!