From Pittsburgh to Zagreb: Tambura festival unites generations
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Performance at last year’s Junior Tamburitzan Festival(Photo: Croatian Fraternal Union)
The Croatian Fraternal Union, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is set to host a remarkable event in Zagreb this weekend
The joint Adult and Junior Festival, titled “Tambura Across Generations,” will take place on June 28-29, 2024, and is expected to draw over 1,200 tourists to the city.
This vibrant celebration of Croatian culture will feature 41 Folklore and Tamburitza ensembles from across the United States and Canada.
These talented groups will perform at the prestigious Lisinski Hall, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Croatian diaspora.
PA Croatian community prior to singing the national anthem at PNC Park for a Pittsburgh Pirates game (Photo: Croatian Fraternal Union)
The festival kicks off at 17:00 on Friday with an opening ceremony followed by the first session of 12 performances.
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with lively music and traditional dance, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
On Saturday, the festivities continue with two additional sessions of performances. The first session begins at 11:00, offering a morning of captivating musical acts.
Later, at 18:00, the final session promises to be a highlight of the festival. This concluding performance will feature over 700 musicians and singers on stage simultaneously, many of whom are family members performing together.
The Guest Conductor at this year’s festival will be Derek Hohn. Derek is the Director of Fraternal Programs for the Croatian Fraternal Union, and a member of Lodge 354 in Cokeburg, PA. He has been performing since he was a child, and is a current director of both the Junior and Adult groups at lodge 354.
Derek Hohn (Photo: Croatian Fraternal Union)
“Tambura Across Generations” is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of heritage, community, and the enduring bond of family. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in Croatian culture and witness the unifying power of music.
You can check out some of the past performances on the Croatian Fraternal Union YouTube channel here.
