2026 Young Tradition Touring Group - Adventures in Sweden!
Below, Young Tradition Vermont Director Ian Drury and Touring Group Manager Christina Kennedy
reflect on the Touring Group’s recent tour of Sweden!
As the 2026 Young Tradition Touring Group returned home from its journey to Sweden, the group was filled with gratitude—for the support received, for the music and dance that brought people together, and for the extraordinary experiences these young musicians shared over ten unforgettable days.
From the moment the group gathered at Boston Logan Airport on April 16, the sense of excitement was palpable. After passing through security, the musicians gathered for an impromptu jam session in the terminal while awaiting their flight. Following an overnight journey across the Atlantic, they arrived in Stockholm, sleepy but eager to explore the city on a beautiful spring day.
The first days in Stockholm set the tone for the entire tour. At the Royal College of Music, the Touring Group participated in a workshop with the renowned Swedish duo Väsen, an inspiring opportunity to learn directly from two of Sweden’s leading traditional music bearers. The group also enjoyed kardemummabullar and explored the Vasa Museum, where they saw the remarkable three-story-tall 17th-century ship salvaged after sinking on its maiden voyage in Stockholm Harbor. That evening, they were treated to performances by Royal College students and were honored to perform as part of Stockholm Culture Night at the Royal College of Music. Sharing their music with an international audience and participating in traditional dancing was a memorable experience. Tack Olov och Mikael!
A highlight of the Stockholm visit was the deep musical exchange with local youth. At Skeppsholmen, students participated in workshops, shared meals, danced together, and played for dances alongside Swedish peers. These moments—informal sessions, laughter, teaching each other dances, and sharing tunes—embodied the heart of the tour: connection through a shared love of traditional music and dance. Viktoria, Stefan, Christina, and the entire Skeppis team provided a magical day filled with inspiration and hospitality. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved.
As the tour continued to Örebro, the Touring Group grew both musically and as an ensemble. In the historic village of Wadköping, the group participated in a wonderful workshop with local musician and farmer Pehr Falkenström before collaborating with the local youth music group Valseriet. Working with Isaac Björklund and Karin Svensson Nordberg, Valseriet’s teachers, was a gift, and special thanks go to Isaac Bergström for helping make the day such a success.
The evening performance at Teaterladan showcased everything the group had been building throughout the tour: musicianship, confidence, and joy.
In Tobo and Tierp, the Touring Group received a warm welcome from Esbjörn and Åsa Hogmark, as well as Magnus Holström, who shared the history and significance of one of Sweden’s most iconic instruments: the nyckelharpa. Tusen tack to Esbjörn and Åsa for opening their home and providing such a memorable day.
At the Eric Sahlström Institute, students toured the program and perhaps even began imagining future studies there. That evening, they played for a dance at the Institute, joined in learning new dance steps, and enjoyed a lively jam session with Magnus and Alex, two exceptional nyckelharpa players.
The next stage of the tour brought the group to Järvsö and Ljusdal. In Järvsö, the Touring Group had the pleasure of working with Staffan Jonsson and Sophia Karlsson at Stallet. Staffan began preparing the group for its culminating performance with Gävleborgs Ungdoms Folkband (GUF), a regional youth ensemble based in Gävle, while Sophia taught a song in Swedish and shared valuable vocal techniques. Staffan also introduced the group to the sport of bandy, sparking enthusiasm and even discussion of starting a Vermont chapter.
At Röda Kvarn Kultur in Ljusdal, the group enjoyed an energetic workshop with Lena Jonsson and concluded the day with an evening concert. Thanks go to Lena, Svante, and the entire Röda Kvarn staff for making the visit so enjoyable.
In Gävle, the tour culminated in a powerful collaboration with GUF and the internationally acclaimed group Northern Resonance. Workshops, shared meals, and a final concert at Skottes Musikteater showcased not only the students’ musical growth but also the friendships formed across cultures. By the final performance, the stage was filled not just with musicians but with a profound sense of shared purpose and community. Special thanks go to Staffan and Alice, as well as Christopher, Jonas, and the members of Northern Resonance for making the final day in Sweden so memorable and heartwarming.
Following the concert, neither group was eager to say goodbye. Students and musicians taught each other dances and continued playing music together until it was finally time to rest. It could not have been a more fitting conclusion to the tour.
Throughout the journey, the Touring Group demonstrated remarkable resilience, curiosity, and professionalism. They navigated international travel, embraced new musical traditions, formed meaningful connections, and represented their community with integrity and heart. The pride felt in their accomplishments and growth throughout the year is immense.
None of this would have been possible without the support of family, friends, donors, and community members. Whether through financial contributions, encouragement, or helping these young musicians prepare for the journey, supporters played a vital role in making this experience a reality.
Special appreciation goes to this year’s Artist Leaders—Alex, Ethan, Ell, and Beck—whose creativity, dedication, and problem-solving helped make the impossible seem possible and brought countless moments of magic to the tour.
Deep gratitude also goes to Christina Kennedy, whose exceptional organization and communication made every aspect of the journey run smoothly. Thanks are extended to Elsie, Amy, and Drew for their support throughout the trip and for helping ensure everything stayed on track. And to Erika, the group’s beloved coach driver, thank you for your care, kindness, and for introducing everyone to some of the best fika in Sweden.
This tour was more than a series of performances and workshops—it was an immersive cultural exchange that will shape these students for years to come. They return home not only as stronger musicians, but also as more confident, globally minded individuals.
In today’s world, building bridges between countries and celebrating shared humanity is more important than ever. Music and dance remain among the most powerful tools for creating those joyful connections.