Most tourists probably visit Dubrovnik to look at the beautiful architecture in the Old Town, walk the historic City Walls, take the cable car up to the top of Mt Srđ to see the stunning views to Bosnia & Herzegovina and across to the numerous islands, swim in the lovely, warm, clear blue sea, and taste the fantastic Croatian food and drink. But, how many people are aware of the diverse range of music that can be heard in this amazing city?
If you’re a fan of classical music you’re in for a treat!
On 21st June, Croatian cellist Ana Rucner, will once again welcome the first day of summer by playing a concert on Mt Srđ at 5am (yes, 5 in the morning!). This will be the 6th year that she has held her Welcome to Summer concert here. Last year she was joined by British pianist Oliver Poole.
The 68th Dubrovnik Summer Festival will be held this year from 10th July until 25th August. This cultural festival consists of opera, ballet, theatre and music held at various venues, indoors and out, around Dubrovnik. Classical concerts often take place in the Rector’s Palace, in the heart of the Old Town. Those playing will include Croatian and international pianists, violinists and cellists, as well as the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Ensemble Vienna.
As well as performing in the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra also host festivals such as the Dubrovnik Late Summer Festival (this year from 26th August to 22nd September). This year they will also host a new festival, Autumnal Music Moskar, which will be held from 30th September until 6th October.
Opera fans can see various performances during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. However, if they can’t wait until 10th July, the Dubrovnik International Opera Festival will be held from 30th June until 7th July. This festival is organised in memory of the world famous tenor Tino Pattiera, who was born in Cavtat in 1890, and includes Croatian and international opera singers, musicians, conductors and orchestras.
For those wanting to hear traditional Dalmatian singing they should listen to klapa. This is a form of a cappella singing, and is sung in a multi-part harmony based singing style. Klapa groups, which usually consist of 4-10 singers, can be seen throughout the summer at various locations around Dubrovnik and the surrounding area. In 2012 klapa was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 6th Aklapela Festival will be held this year from 28th to 30th April at various venues around Dubrovnik and will include groups from different parts of Croatia.
Jazz fans should head to Troubadour Jazz Café, which is located near the cathedral. They play mainly jazz and blues, and live music can be heard there regularly throughout the summer.
Lovers of rock music should go to Exit Rock Café, which is located just off Stradun. It is THE place to go for rock fans. The décor includes various instruments and rock paraphernalia, as well as photos of famous rock stars. You can listen to all types of rock, and local bands, such as Feredon and Gruhak, play there regularly all year round.
Revelin Culture Club is a nightclub located in the 16th century fortress near Ploče Gate. It is on the list of DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs in the World, and attracts international DJ’s such as Feddie Le Grand, Fatboy Slim, Boy George and Paul Van Dyk. It puts on amazing state of the art light shows, and is open all year.
During the summer it is possible to come across live music nearly every evening at various restaurants and cafes in Dubrovnik, and also some of the squares in the Old Town. If you’re not in a hurry to head off somewhere else, take the time to stop and have a listen. You won’t regret it.
(Photo credit www.dubrovnik-festival.hr)
