Presented by Small World Music

Experience an evening of neo-traditional folk music with classical precision and head-banging grooves.

FRÄNDER blends Swedish and Estonian folk traditions with a modern twist, creating a contemporary "heavy folk" sound. The result is a driving and robust sound, ready for the great stages. FRÄNDER conjures an expressive musical landscape, evocative of the mystery and beauty of the ancient Scandinavian woodlands and they have wowed audiences worldwide, from Scandinavia to Japan, Canada, and USA.

The band's current tour lineup features founding siblings Gabbi Dluzewski (Swedish mandola and vocals) and Daniel Dluzewski (double bass and vocals), playing alongside Gabbi's wife Säde Tatar (flute and vocals), the percussionist expert Andreas Berglund (specialized on Japanese classical marimba), and the stellar fiddler and family friend Gabriella Josefsson. On their most recent album, II, FRÄNDER continues to redefine the future of European music.

About the Artists:
FRÄNDER plays modern acoustic folk music forged in the deep forests of northern Sweden. With seductive harmonies and mesmerizing energy, the band creates a unique musical landscape. They find their creative freedom within the expressive modern sound of Nordic folk music and the traditional music of their ancestors. FRÄNDER is not interested in merely reproducing the past but strives to find new ways into the future.

“They convey their music with a tremendous joy of playing, a powerful energy and, of course, enviable instrumental skills. They captivate their audience.”
- Ando Kiviberg, Founder, Viljandi Folk Festival



Doors open at 7:00 PM

The 2026 Small World Music Series is sponsored by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and funded by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.