Pictured left is La Folia Global and information on their upcoming event. Pictured right is the executive director of the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival Olga Smola. Images sourced from the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival.
By Kaydon Webber
La Folia Global Returns to the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival
July 21st, 2026
La Folia Global is a unique classical fusion ensemble formed in 2023 during the annual Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival. Blending Baroque works such as La Folia by Vivaldi with musical traditions from around the world, the ensemble combines Eastern and Western influences. From Armenian folk melodies to Hindustani classical raga, La Folia Global brings together instruments and ideas from many different cultures. Olga Smola, executive director of the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival, says, “Our festival is for curious minds, for people who would love and want to discover something new.”
Providing free, local, and original music, the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival spans numerous venues and genres across the Omaha and Lincoln areas. In addition to La Folia Global, the festival features new compositions and performances inspired by Nordic soundscapes, Slavic string instruments, Cuban jazz fusion, and many other musical traditions. During the festival, Nebraska Poet Laureate Jewel Rodgers will also compose new spoken-word poetry. Smola says, “Open your heart and open your curiosity… I promise you, you will not be disappointed at any event.”
Performing at St. Cecilia Cathedral, La Folia Global will also offer audiences insight into the creation and fusion of the work during a pre-show event hosted by Jeff Koterba on July 28. Members Erik Higgins, Valeri Tolstov, Sandeep Das, and Emmanuel Hovhannisyan will be in attendance. “Music makes our world so much better and makes us be closer.” Smola finishes stating, “And I think this is what we tried to build—a festival with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.”
The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival will take place over the next two weeks, from July 24 through August 2. More information about the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival can be found at nebraskamusicfest.org.
