Iwona Wylęgała | POL

Instructor of the Summer School of Tradition 2024 Ethnomusicologist and cultural activist, Iwona is a dedicated researcher and educator specialising in traditional folk singing from Opolian Silesia. A two-time recipient of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage scholarship, she lectures on Traditional Music at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice. Iwona is committed to preserving and promoting the vocal heritage of Opolian Silesia. Since 2009, she has conducted numerous vocal workshops and founded the Traditional Singing Ensemble “Niezłe Ziółka.” Her work has garnered recognition, including wins at the National Festival of Folk Bands and Singers in Kazimierz (2017) and the Tournament of True Musicians in Szczecin (2018). Her recordings are featured in the permanent exhibition at the Museum of Prudnik Region. Beyond performance,  Iwona is a dedicated scholar. She meticulously studies archival materials and actively seeks out rural singers to learn firsthand. Her efforts to connect Silesian singers through organized meetings have fostered a vibrant community. Through collaborations with cultural institutions and NGOs, she has created a rich body of educational resources, including workshops, radio programs, and films. In 2019, she contributed to the Wikimedia Polska project by recording 12 songs from Julius Roger’s collection, showcasing the unique Silesian vocal style,