Graz, Austria – The Styrian Volksliedwerk, a cultural organization dedicated to preserving traditional folk music, has turned the city’s largest underground parking garage into a makeshift Alpine venue. Yodeling teacher Anna Maria Gutschi leads groups of up to 30 participants through echo‑filled corridors, noting that the concrete walls provide a sound environment “not too dissimilar to the high mountains.”
Keeping tradition alive in unexpected places
Gutschi’s classes are part of a series that explores unconventional locations – from underground car parks to canals and gas stations – wherever the acoustics allow the distinctive yodel to resonate. “It’s a form of communication from mountain to mountain, just like that, without the need for a phone,” she explained, emphasizing the cultural and communal value of the practice.
Participants range from seasoned yodelers to newcomers eager to experience the art form. Among them is Jamey Sohn, a South Korean student studying sustainable development in Graz, who said the class was “more approachable than I first expected.”
Historical roots and modern appeal
Yodeling originated centuries ago as a practical means of communication across the Alps, allowing shepherds and cattle to locate each other over long distances. Over time, it evolved into a musical genre celebrated worldwide, notably through the classic film The Sound of Music. Today, teachers like Thomas Button, originally from New York, describe yodeling as “a form of meditation” that offers participants a powerful sense of togetherness.
Local enthusiast Rudolf Schmidhofer added, “It’s hard to describe how much power you get from yodeling together, the energy from within.” The sessions typically last just over an hour, guiding students through the deepest parts of the garage to capture the best sound.
Community response
The initiative has drawn interest from both residents and tourists, highlighting Graz’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern urban settings. By repurposing everyday spaces for artistic expression, the program demonstrates how traditional practices can thrive in contemporary environments.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
