Founded in Bratislava in 1981, DFS Prvosienka is a folk dance association bringing together 120 young people aged between 10 and 15 from Bratislava and the Danube region. Its special feature is an orchestra made up of children and teenagers. Its stylised repertoire showcases the costumes, dances and songs of Slovakia’s different regions, and revives traditions such as carnivals, grape harvests and traditional weddings.

To complement the string instruments, the orchestra plays instruments typical of Slovakia’s heritage, such as shepherd’s whistles, musical toys and the famous fujara, a gothic bass flute dating from the 12th century and listed by UNESCO. DFS Prvosienka has travelled extensively, taking part in folklore festivals in Europe, Australia, Japan and China. This year, after Fribourg, it is taking part in the Ylan Children’s Festival in Taiwan.