Among the most secret sounds on the planet, the music of the Bhutan Balladeers is classical music from the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Their Zhungdra music dates back to the dawn of the 17th century and features extended vocal tones that weave complex patterns and melodies, supported by minimal instrumental, usually just double-stringed lutes, wooden flutes and two-stringed fiddles. The performers sing in the Choekey language, indecipherable even to the majority of Bhutanese, except the Buddhist monks. Bhutan Balladeers’ debut album was recorded by Grammy-winning Producer Ian Brennan (Ustad Saami, The Good Ones, Malawi Mouse Boys, Hanoi Masters) in a hilltop forest outside of the capital, Thimphu and released in 2024.

That same summer, a touring trio from the group became the first Bhutanese artists to perform at the WOMAD festival in the UK. We belatedly welcome this magical trio to WOMADelaide, after travel complications prevented them from performing at the 2026 festival.