The cultural summer on the island of Korcula continues with the opening of the annual Baroque Festival.
The fourth Baroque Festival has begun in Korčula, organized under the auspices of the Croatian president Kolinda Grabar Kitarović. It will last until September 12, with the performances of some of the most prestigious international and local musicians who specialize in baroque music – vocal ensemble Antiphonus, the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, Laura Vađon, Matija Dedić, Matej Meštrović, Sudar Percussion Ensemble and the Zagreb Guitar Quartet (Croatia), New Trinity Barock (USA), B Rock (Belgium), Catherine Mackintosh (Great Britain), Dmitry Sinkovski (Russia) and Mary Elenn Nesi (Greece), reports Dubrovacki.hr on September 8, 2015.
On behalf of the president, the participants were welcomed by her envoy, member of parliament Frano Matušić, who pointed out that the festival promotes Korčula as a major destination for cultural tourism. The guests were also greeted by member of parliament Mladen Marelić who talked about the promotion of tourism and expressed satisfaction that Korčula and Croatia have recorded a very good tourist results this year. The mayor of Korčula Andrija Fabris pointed out that the rich cultural and musical tradition of Korčula and the impressive architecture of the medieval town represent an ideal mix which makes the festival possible. “The concerts will promote the churches of Korčula as real cultural monuments”, said the mayor.
The opening ceremony began with a performance of the baroque knight game Moreška, which was performed by the members of the Moreška Cultural Society, with new choreography and music by the Croatian Baroque Ensemble. This surprised the audience and other participants of the festival, since the Moreška was performed at a slower pace and accompanied by different music, which is unheard of in regular performances.
After the opening ceremony, the festival continued in the Cathedral of St. Mark, with a concert by the vocal ensemble Antiphonus and the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, together with the violinist Catherine Mackintosh.
The festival will continue on Tuesday, when the Zagreb Guitar Quartet will have a concert at the Church of All Saints. On Wednesday, New Trinity Barock will perform at the Church of St. Nicholas. Thursday is reserved for the concert by B Rock, Dmitry Sinkovski and Mary Ellen Nesi, while on Friday Matija Dedić will perform at the square in front of the cathedral. The festival will end on Saturday, with a concert at the summer cinema by Matej Meštrović and Sudar Percussion.
