Pastoral Echoes - Nature-Inspired Musical Traditions

We aim to deepen our knowledge of Nordic and Baltic craftsmanship in traditional wind instruments tied to nature, herding, and communication. Our project highlights instruments rooted in pastoral culture, connects like-minded individuals, engages diverse audiences and explores regional similarities. We will build instruments, use traditional materials and share these skills in public workshops and educational materials, fostering collaboration and cultural continuity..

The idea was born on the 43rd Kazimierz Uszyński competition in shepherd instruments in Ciechaonowiec, Poland. The goals of the competition are:

- cultivation of the habit and transmission of the disappearing ability to play shepherd instruments and their cultural significance in all regions of Poland, where such instruments and players occur and in those foreign countries where it is cultivated in rural areas.
- the opportunity to present traditional melodies, to make contacts between performers of shepherd music and to maintain and popularize the playing of shepherd instruments.
- preservation of the performed melodies, characteristic of the shepherd instruments and the region of its creation.
- comparison of sound effects and construction of shepherd instruments occurring in different regions of Poland and the world.

Timeline:

29.. November-1. December 2024: 43rd Kazimierz Uszyński competition in shepherd instruments in Ciechaonowiec, Pola.nd. The idea was born!

21. October 2025: Minna Hokka held instrument building seminar for 11-12 year old children in Helgeroa, Norway.

23.-24. October 2025: "Læven og lokk", Nordic instrument workshop in Oslo. The builders participated in "Klangen før fela" 24.-26. of October 2025.

Descriptions of the instruments will come. Here is a video from the seminar: Instrumentbuilding seminar Oct 2025

29.-30. November 2025: Some of us also met at 44th Kazimierz Uszyński competition in shepherd instruments in Ciechaonowiec November 2025.

Here is a video from the competition: 44th Kazimierz Uszyński

Musicians and instrument builders engaged in Pastoral Echoes so far are:

Allan Jürgens, a traditional instrument maker and crafts man. He works at Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum / Estonian Open Air Museum, and is engaged in Estonian instrument-making, hand craft traditions and history. More about Allan here: https://www.facebook.com/allanjurgens

Gunnar Stenmark, a flute builder and musician located in Östersund, Sweden. He participated in the workshop in Oslo October 2025 together with his wife and musician Elisabet Grönlund. More about Gunnar here: harjedalspipa.se

Karstein Grønnesby, a musician and instrument builder located in Oslo. He makes lur and goat horns, and is a member of "Norsk lur- og bukkehornlag". He organized the workshop in Norway October 2025 together with Sylvelin. More about Karstein here: blasemaker.no

Line Arstad Djurberg, a musician that uses singing for trauma healing and empowerment, particularly for those with stress-related issues. As urban densification increases, nature is seen as curative, with calm music having a profound effect on brain-related wounds. Resting in nature and engaging with music and crafts positively impacts this target group. More about Line her: offtune.se

Minna Hokka, an expert in Finnish-Karelian wind instruments, has built 120 models and performed with 30-40 instruments per concert. She has taught thousands to craft and play these ancient instruments, allowing audiences, especially children, to experience them firsthand. She participated in the workshop in Oslo October 2025 together with her husband and musician Jorma Elenius. More about Minna and her instruments here: minnahokka.com

Sylvelin Hege Sevilhaug, a musician playing Norwegian traditional wind instruments like goat horn and lur, and a member of “Norsk lur- og bukkehornlag”. She organized the workshop in Norway in autumn 2025 together with Karstein. More about Sylvelin here: sylvelinhege.no