Kandráčovci & Čechomor in Považská Bystrica

Kandráčovci are a Slovak folk ensemble formed in 2004 and led by violinist and singer Ondrej Kandráč. The group draws on the traditional music of eastern Slovakia and is particularly associated with its rendition of “Hej, sokoly!” In 2014, Kandráčovci marked their tenth anniversary with a concert at Steel Arena in Košice. Their stage format centres on Ondrej Kandráč’s violin and vocals, supported by folk instruments including cimbalom and accordion. The ensemble has also performed at the Východná Folklore Festival.

Čechomor is a Czech folk-rock band formed in 1988. It performs traditional songs from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia in arrangements for a rock lineup and folk instruments. The album Proměny, produced by Jaz Coleman, and songs including “Proměny,” “Mezi horami” and “Gorale” are central to its catalogue. Petr Zelenka’s 2002 film Rok ďábla followed a fictionalised tour involving Čechomor and Jaromír Nohavica. The following year, the band opened for The Rolling Stones at Letná in Prague.