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July 15, 16, 17 - 2027
The first European

Throat Singing Festival

Step into a world of ancient sound and living tradition in Romainmôtier, Switzerland. Three days of concerts, workshops, and a unique gathering of throat singers and enthusiasts — with master performers from Mongolia, Tuva, and the Altai.

Tickets sales will go live around august 2026
Tickets SOON!
Photographer: Hajo Hohl (Cologne, 1991), © Pan Records

Experience the first Throat Singing Festival in Europe

Echoes of the Steppe brings together throat singers, musicians, and curious listeners from across Europe and beyond. Alongside master performers from Mongolia, Tuva, and the Altai region, a wider community of practitioners and enthusiasts comes together to share, learn, and connect. Set in the breathtaking surroundings of Romainmôtier, the festival offers intimate concerts, hands-on workshops, and moments where music, nature, and tradition meet.

What to experience

A three-day journey of sound, culture, and connection — from powerful performances to hands-on workshops and shared moments throughout the festival.

Full program coming soon. Sneak preview:
Beautiful
Live concerts

Experience powerful performances by throat singing groups from Mongolia, Tuva, and the Altai region, alongside contributions from artists within the wider festival community.

Throat singing
competition

Open to all levels, from beginners to advanced, the competition unfolds over three days: first round on day one, semi-finals on day two, and finals on the last day, where the winners perform live. Participants are judged by an expert jury on technique, musicality, and expression. Register here.

Throat singing
workshops

Learn all the basics of throat singing directly from experienced practitioners. Also explore other workshops such as a workshop traditional Mongolian dance (Biyelgee).

Inspiring
talks

Discover the stories behind throat singing traditions, instruments like the Tsuur flute, and the rediscovered Altai Harp.

Traditional
Foods & Drinks

Enjoy authentic Mongolian flavors alongside a selection of local food and drinks.

Art &
Souvenirs

Browse a curated selection of traditional crafts, instruments, music, and unique items.

Enjoy the
beautiful area

The festival takes place in the medieval town of Romainmôtier, nestled in a stunning region of Switzerland, surrounded by forests, caves, rivers, and waterfalls.

The program

Friday - 29th August

The festival gates open at 13:00. At 13:00, the official opening takes place with a beautiful throat singing performance by jury member Baatarsuren Chadraabal (Mongolia) on the main stage: free for everyone to attend. Throughout the afternoon (13:00–19:00), there will also be a Community Hangout for all throat singing competition participants — a moment to connect, share music, and prepare together for the big day.

In the evening, the stage is set for a highlight: a live concert by Duplessy & The Violins of the World, presenting their Mongolian-themed set in the stunning abbey church of Romainmôtier. Doors open at 20:00, concert starts at 20:30. Tickets for the concert available here.

Location:General FestivalAbbey ChurchMain stage (Gardens in Praël)
12:00Gates open--
13:00- -Official opening concert by Baatarsuren Chadraabal
13:00 - 19:00Community hangout--
18:00 - 20:00Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available)--
20:00-Doors open-
20:30-Concert: Duplessy & The Violins of the World-
Saturday - 30th August

On Saturday, August 30th, the festival is free to visit from 10:00 to 19:00. Wander around, enjoy inspiring talks, join amazing workshops, watch traditional dance and demonstrations, and connect with throat singing enthusiasts from around the world. A perfect day to discover the beauty of this unique vocal art! Tickets for the concerts starting at 19:30 available here.

Location:Gardens in PraëlHouse of the MonksParish CenterYurt in PraëlHall in Praël
10:00-Tsuur Flute Demonstration (UNESCO)Khuumei WorkshopSteppe games: Knucklebones & Mongolian TraditionsKhuumei / Throat Singing Competition
11:00-Urtiin Duu Demonstration by Narandulam (UNESCO)-Mongolian tales for children
12:00 - 15:00Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available)---
13:00Coffee break & Discussion: "Mongolia, land of hospitality and adventure"Biyelgee Demonstration + Workshop--
14:00--Khuumei WorkshopSteppe games: Knucklebones & Mongolian Traditions
15:00-Urtiin Duu Demonstration by Narandulam (UNESCO)-Mongolian tales for children
16:00-Biyelgee Demonstration + Workshop-Introduction to the Mongolian language
17:00--Khuumei Workshop-Altai Harp Demonstration & Lecture
17:30 - 22:00Festival Kitchen Open (hot meals & snacks available)----
18:00Award Ceremony----
19:30Concert: Khukh Mongol----
20:35Concert: Argusan----
21:40Concert: TengerTon----
22:45Concert: Igor Koshkendey----
00:00The end

Join the throat singing competition

Are you a throat singer — beginner, intermediate, or professional? Step onto the stage and share your voice and skills alongside a diverse community of practitioners. Perform for an expert jury, who will evaluate technique, creativity, and musicality: but above all, this is a space to connect, express, and celebrate the art of throat singing together.

Excited to join the competition?
Learn more
July 15, 16, 17 - 2027

An inspiring Festival in the beautiful medieval town of Romainmôtier

There couldnt be a more beautiful place for our festival: The medieval town of Romainmôtier, nestled in a stunning region of Switzerland, surrounded by forests, caves, rivers, and waterfalls.

Rowan Hartsuiker with mongolian instruments