23.12.2024 Music

Debut Neofolk Album by Karolina Węgrzyn

Polish, UK-based folk singer spreads the exuberance and diversity of Eastern European culture in her debut neofolk album “Oy Vesna Krasna”.

Is folk music fading into oblivion? Karolina Węgrzyn, a Polish folk singer and accordionist based in the UK, is breathing new life into traditional sounds and sharing this vibrant musical heritage worldwide.

Her debut album “Oy Vesna Krasna” (often translated as “Oh beautiful spring”) connects the diverse cultures of Eastern Europe, blending energetic Balkan melodies and the vibrant voice of the Northern Carpathians. She not only highlights history but also offers new interpretations inspired by contemporary influences.

Karolina is also one of the few artists nowadays to master the ancient singing technique of white voice, also known as scream-singing.

Continuously drawing inspiration from previous generations, she was immersed in folk traditions from childhood, growing up surrounded by the folk traditions passed down by her grandmother. Now, she collects forgotten songs and stories from senior members of her native communities.

Passionate about sharing the cultural heritage of Eastern European music, Karolina performs compositions from Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, the Balkans, as well as nomadic tribes like the Lemko people and the Roma communities.

Through her music, she fosters a deeper understanding and recognition of the shared cultural heritage, as she believes music “has the power to connect people across borders and cultures”.

Her unique melodies have garnered multiple recognitions, including the Grand Prix at the Rzeszów Institute of National History, third place at The True Musician’s Tournament in Szczecin, and a bursary from the Polish Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Karolina’s art continues to inspire, as she remains passionate about preserving and evolving the rich musical traditions of Eastern Europe, while simultaneously bridging cultural gaps and creating a lasting connection.

Listen to “Oy Vesna Krasna” album HERE
Find out more about Karolina HERE

Scheduled Music

‘Sound Meditation’ London Film Premiere and Live

Presented by the Piano Phase Project, this event offers a live performance and screening that explores the powerful connections between the natural world and creative expression.
22 01.2024 Film, Music, Visual arts

Tomasz Zyrmont Quartet @ Ognisko Polskie –

Experience the enchanting world of jazz with a celebrated pianist and composer Tomasz Zyrmont, alongside an exceptional acoustic quartet featuring some of London's most accomplished jazz musicians.
11 01.2024 Events, Music

Lecture series exploring Art, Exclusion, and Memory 🗓

Discover the powerful intersection of art, activism, and history through Grzegorz Kwiatkowski's lectures this November.
28 11.2024 29 11.2024 History, Literature, Music