The Canadian Croatian Choral Society performed “Jedna je Hrvatska – Our Beloved Croatia” on Sunday May 31st 2015 at Humber Valley United Church in Etobicoke and on June 7th 2015 at Holy Trinity Croatian Roman Catholic Church in Oakville.
This concert series, under the artistic direction of Edward J. Mavrinac, included a repertoire of sacred, patriotic and love songs, and featured music from Međimurje, the northernmost region of Croatia. There were many memorable highlights during these performances.
CCCS’s third Merit Award recipient Matija Pavković showcased his versatile talents as he performed on the French horn, the tambura and on the samica (type of tambura) in a duet with clarinetist John Luik. The audience was treated to a composition he wrote for clarinet and tambura, highlighting his musical artistry.
Another highlight was Đenka, a moving song of lost love, beautifully choreographed and performed by Lisa Brkić who was dressed in a traditional Croatian wedding costume. The audience was moved to tears as Đenka, accompanied by the choir and tamburaši, expressed her sorrow and sacrifice of lost love.
The Međimurje musical selection commenced with a lovely rendition of Rojžica Sem Bila sung by guest soloist Julijana Hajdinjak, CCCS’s second Merit Award recipient. The choir, accompanied by tamburaši, string quartet, trumpeters and the talented guest violinist Arpad Verseghy, musically weaved their way through Međimurje in song.A special surprise was an instrumental performance by the tamburaši and guest violinist Arpad Verseghy of the classic Czardas that delighted all present. Their interpretation of this beloved piece ended in a whirling and mesmerizing performance which can be viewed on the CCCS YouTube channel.
