KUD Vrapčanci is preparing a large musical gathering that will fill the hall of the Susedgrad Center for Culture and Education (CZKIO) at Argentinska 5 in Zagreb on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This is the first Meeting of Tamburitza Ensembles organized by the society, an event conceived as a gathering of tamburitza players, singers, and lovers of traditional music from the Prigorje and wider Zagreb region. Admission is free, and the audience can expect an evening dedicated to the sound of strings, polyphony, and old-time songs that have marked generations.

For this premiere evening, the performance of four ensembles known for nurturing heritage and their concert activities has been confirmed: the Folklorni ansambl Bilje, the Hrvatsko seljačko pjevačko društvo Podgorac from Gračani, the Hrvatsko kulturno prosvjetno društvo Bosiljak from Čučerje, and the hosts, KUD Vrapčanci. Each of them has been systematically working with young people for years, reviving old repertoires, and collaborating with folklore choreographers and choir leaders, bringing to the stage a blend of instrumental skill and local melodic peculiarities. Thus, this evening in Zagreb grows into a representative cross-section of the tamburitza scene of northern Croatia, as well as the broader Prigorje and Baranja traditions.

Meeting place: the CZKIO Susedgrad hall

The Susedgrad Center for Culture and Education operates as a city institution that programs concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions throughout the year, with a modern hall suitable for acoustic ensembles. It is located at Argentinska Street 5, at the western entrance to the city, with convenient access by public transport and a sufficient number of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity. The hall regularly hosts concert cycles and events by local associations, making it an ideal stage for tamburitza players seeking the warmth of wooden acoustics and good contact with the audience.

The organizers recommend arriving early due to free admission and expected interest. If you are staying in Zagreb away from home, plan your arrival so that you have time to walk through the Špansko and Vrapče neighborhoods or have a refreshment in nearby catering establishments before the concert. For a longer stay, you can look for accommodation in Zagreb according to your wishes and budget.

Who is performing: profiles of the participants and their musical characteristics

Folklorni ansambl Bilje

Folklorni ansambl Bilje comes from the town of Bilje in Baranja, a region that nurtures a specific mix of Pannonian melodies. The ensemble combines dance, song, and the sound of tamburitza in its programs, and in recent years has recorded significant concert activities, including anniversary celebrations and participation in regional events. Their performances are recognizable by the rhythmic bass of the berda and the precise accompaniment of the bugarija, while the melody is often carried by bračevi and primovi in densely intertwined parts. Such an arrangement of voices gives a fullness and dynamism that makes the Baranja repertoire attractive to a wider audience.

For visitors who plan to stay overnight after the concert or wish to extend their weekend with a trip, it is worth considering a future visit to Bilje itself – the Baranja plain, the Starčevo archaeological site, and the nearby Kopački Rit are an excellent complement to the tamburitza notes. When planning your trip, check for accommodation in Bilje and the surrounding area in advance to explore the local attractions without rushing.

HSPD Podgorac, Gračani

The Hrvatsko seljačko pjevačko društvo Podgorac was founded at the beginning of the 20th century in Gračani, today the northern part of Zagreb. Over its long period of activity, the society has developed choral singing and tamburitza accompaniment, and its activities are recognizable by regular performances in sacred spaces and the inclusion of younger generations in its musical work. They regularly participate in Christmas and Lenten concerts, Prigorje events, and local happenings. The historical framework of their work shows how they have built their own tradition over the decades, from the first male choirs to today's mixed ensembles that nurture polyphony with tamburitza accompaniment.

The specialty of Podgorac is the preservation of Prigorje songs – short, singable, and emotionally charged melodies that are easy to remember but require discipline in intonation. The soundscape is often dominated by the warmth of the prims and the firm rhythm of the kontras, which leaves the audience with an impression of vitality and direct contact with tradition. If you are from other parts of Croatia and want to get to know the northern slopes of Medvednica, plan a visit to Gračani and explore accommodation in Zagreb so that your starting point is close to forest trails and cultural events.

HKPD Bosiljak, Čučerje

The Hrvatsko kulturno prosvjetno društvo Bosiljak from Čučerje has been continuously active since the end of the 19th century and is one of the bearers of cultural life in that part of the city. Even in its early decades, the tamburitza players of Bosiljak stood out for their quality, to the extent that they recorded a gramophone record before the First World War – a fact that testifies to their early professionalization and serious approach. Today, sections operate within the society that present the melos of Čučerje and Prigorje through their concert programs, and their Festival of Folklore and Tamburitza, held every year in May, which gathers guests from Croatia and abroad, is particularly noteworthy.

Čučerje is known for its strong sense of community and the tradition of village customs. The arrival of Bosiljak at the meeting in Zagreb means an opportunity for the audience to hear the songs that have shaped the identity of the eastern Prigorje region. If the music inspires you to visit their home area later, check for accommodation in Zagreb in advance, as Čučerje is administratively part of the city, but far enough from the center to turn the trip into a full-day experience.

KUD Vrapčanci – hosts of the first evening

As the organizer and host, KUD Vrapčanci brings together members from the western districts of Zagreb and has profiled itself as a society that diligently passes on tamburitza and singing experience to younger generations. Their performance at the end of the concert evening has a symbolic function: to round off the meeting with musical motifs from the Vrapče area and to thank all the guests. The society operates within the framework of cultural and artistic activities that are classified in Croatia as citizens' associations, and its program relies on a repertoire of Prigorje and Pannonian songs. Basic information about the society leads to official registers and public records, which confirms their status as an active association in the city area.

The audience coming from outside the neighborhood can take the opportunity to visit Vrapče and the wider Podsused-Vrapče area, which is dominated by historic churches, old squares, and green zones along the Sava River. For all who are arriving from other cities or planning a weekend in the metropolis, book your accommodation in Zagreb in time to have a carefree continuation of the evening after the concert.

What to expect on stage: instrumentation and sound

Tamburitza ensembles typically perform in lineups that include the prim, basprim, brač, bugarija (kontra), and berda (large bass), and sometimes a violin or accordion joins in. Such instrumentation creates a soundscape that is both rhythmic and melodic: the prim leads the main theme, the bračevi fill the middle texture, the bugarija keeps the rhythm with its characteristic "chinking," while the berda provides a deep foundation. During the evening, the audience will also hear different singing arrangements – from male and female solo parts to polyphonic choral arrangements that build on the tamburitza accompaniment.

The repertoire usually alternates between Prigorje songs, Baranja chants, Međimurje laments with modern arrangements, as well as faster dance forms (drmeš, polka, kolo). In such programs, the flexibility of the ensemble is highly valued, the ability to quickly transition from a calm lyrical song to a lively dance number, and communication with the audience through brief announcements of the pieces. Given the tradition of the visiting societies, a balanced selection is expected that will present the local melos of Gračani and Čučerje, as well as the broader Pannonian spectrum from Bilje and the Prigorje heritage of Vrapčanci.

Program dramaturgy: how a tamburitza evening is built

Concerts of this type most often begin with a joint introductory piece that "opens" the evening and establishes the atmosphere – this can be a popular tamburitza overture or a recognizable song that serves as an intonation for the audience. A series of individual performances follows: each ensemble performs several pieces in a connected block, with short announcements by the host. Contrasts are naturally built between them – after a lively instrumental piece and a cheerful kolo comes a slower, emotional song, which gives the audience space to rest and enjoy the polyphony. The finale belongs to the host, and often all participants stand "in a semicircle" for a joint song that closes the meeting to the applause of the audience and a brief introduction of the musicians.

Such a schedule also has an educational component: the audience gets an impression of the diversity of Croatian tamburitza heritage, and young musicians learn by comparison how the same tune can be shaped by different arrangements, tempos, and part distributions. Ultimately, the event creates a network of collaborations – ensembles exchange sheet music, arrange return concerts, and borrow costumes, which strengthens the continuity of the scene.

Why tamburitza? A brief guide to the tradition

The tamburitza appeared in Croatia in the 19th century as an instrument parallel to the social revival, and the first societies and orchestras were formed by the end of that century. From the Pannonian plain, it spread to the Prigorje settlements around Medvednica, where it acquired specific local idioms – faster rhythms for dancing, melodic "chants," and lyrics related to annual customs. Today, the tamburitza is equally at home in concert halls and village courtyards; it serves as a bridge between generations, but also as a platform for contemporary arrangements of popular songs. Through education in music schools and the work of cultural and artistic societies, the instrument is present in formal and informal education, thus nurturing the art of playing and maintaining the continuity of the tradition.

How to get to the hall and practical notes

The location of CZKIO Susedgrad at Argentinska 5 is well connected by city bus and tram lines. If you are arriving by car, follow the western entrance to the city via Jankomir; from the city center, drive along Aleja Bologne and turn towards the Špansko neighborhood. The hall is near large parking lots, and access for people with disabilities is provided without architectural barriers. The institution's contact information (phone and email) is visible on their website, so you can contact the program organizer directly with any questions.

Since admission is free, there is no need to reserve seats in advance, but given the size of the hall and the interest of the tamburitza audience, it is advisable to arrive early. In the neighborhood, there are catering establishments, shops, and public transport stations, which facilitates the organization of arrival for families with children and the elderly.

The broader cultural picture and community contribution

The meeting of tamburitza ensembles in the Vrapče neighborhood fits into the tradition of Zagreb's cultural centers that provide a stage for amateur and semi-professional performers throughout the year. Such events keep the local cultural life alive and accessible. Ensembles like Podgorac and Bosiljak continuously nurture collaboration with neighborhood schools, parishes, and associations, while FA Bilje, with its experience from Baranja events, brings the energy of regional festivals and international guest performances.

At the same time, the meetings are an opportunity to present traditional costumes and handicrafts: Prigorje women's costumes with characteristic scarves and lace, men's shirts with vests, Baranja patterns, and props such as headdresses and adornments. Many visitors like to photograph the details of embroidery and tailoring, so the organizers appeal for respect for the privacy of the performers, especially the younger members, and to avoid using flash during the performances.

For those who travel: tips and ideas for a weekend in the metropolis

If you are coming from other cities, take the opportunity to spend the weekend in Zagreb. The cultural offer of the metropolis is rich even outside of concert evenings: museums, theaters, themed walks, and autumn gastronomic programs are an excellent addition. Look for accommodation in Zagreb near the western districts to quickly reach the hall, and after the concert, continue socializing in nearby establishments. If you are intrigued by the visiting ensembles, plan your next trips: in Gračani you can combine hiking on the Medvednica trails with a visit to local events, in Čučerje you can get to know a tradition that has lasted for more than a century, and in Bilje you can see the natural beauties of Baranja.

Who is the program intended for and what to bring

The program is adapted for a wide audience: families, pupils, students, ethnomusic lovers, and anyone who wants to spend a Saturday evening at a good concert. The seats are numbered by rows, and photography is allowed in compliance with the organizer's rules. Bring a good mood, and if you wish, a notepad for notes if you are interested in the titles of the pieces or want to write down your impressions of the performances. If you decide to come early, use the time for a short walk around the neighborhood and refreshment in the adjacent catering establishments. For guests from out of town, book your accommodation in Zagreb in advance to easily coordinate your arrival and departure.

The value of the first edition and a look ahead

The first edition of the Meeting of Tamburitza Ensembles represents an important incentive for all participating ensembles. Gathering on one stage allows for a comparison of approaches to arrangements, an exchange of experiences about working with children and young people, and agreements on further cooperation. The audience thus gets the opportunity to hear different colors of the tamburitza sound in one place, from Prigorje and Zagreb songs to Pannonian and Baranja chants. Such meetings, when they come to life as a cycle, generally increase the interest of young people in music education, and through workshops and auditions, they ensure the continuity of the ensembles in the coming years.

Contact and additional information

For additional information about the program, rehearsal schedules, or joining the societies' work, interested parties can contact the individual associations through their publicly available contacts on their websites and social networks. CZKIO Susedgrad regularly publishes the schedule of events and instructions for the audience, while ensembles like HKPD Bosiljak and HSPD Podgorac share news about rehearsals, concerts, and performances on their pages. Information about the Center's work, program, and location can be found on the official website of CZKIO Susedgrad.

On the day of the concert, October 25, 2025, the doors of the hall will open early enough for the audience to take their seats peacefully. Admission is free, and the performance schedule will be announced on stage and through announcements by the host. For all visitors traveling from more distant parts of the city, it is recommended to use public transport and check online notifications about possible line changes, so that the arrival in Zagreb and the Susedgrad district goes without delays. If you are staying for several days, explore accommodation in Zagreb and take advantage of the autumn rhythm of the metropolis.

Note on the ensembles and repertoire

The performing ensembles are characterized by the fact that they do not see the nurturing of tradition as static archiving, but as a living process in which parts, lyrics, and rhythms are adapted to the contemporary audience. Folklorni ansambl Bilje brings the freshness of Baranja and the experience of regional festivals; Podgorac from Gračani confirms the Prigorje discipline of choral singing with tamburitza players; Bosiljak from Čučerje brings a rich history and modern concert practice reflected in their festival; Vrapčanci, as hosts, unify practices and contribute to the scene by organizing such meetings. All of the above inspires confidence in a quality evening in which old chants, contemporary arrangements, and the spontaneous joy of making music will intertwine.

For readers planning to arrive from other areas, timely travel planning and checking for accommodation in Zagreb is recommended. If you later follow the trail of music to Baranja, Medvednica, or the eastern Prigorje belt, plan your itinerary in advance: a visit to Bilje can be combined with the natural pearl of Kopački Rit, a trip to Gračani with hiking trails and viewpoints, and a trip to Čučerje with local events and church holidays that often include concerts and performances.

The approximate duration of the program is usually between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the length of individual blocks and joint numbers. Short breaks or changes on stage are planned so that the ensembles can be replaced smoothly, and the audience gets a rhythmic break between performances. The CZKIO Susedgrad hall provides everything necessary for pleasant listening: a clear stage, clear acoustics, and accompanying technology for announcements.

The role of the audience at tamburitza evenings has always been active: clapping to the rhythm, humming along to famous refrains, and friendly encouragement of the performers are part of the atmosphere that makes every concert unique. Especially at meetings like this one, where ensembles and guests meet both on and off stage, new friendships and future collaborations are formed. For this reason, the organizers invite all generations – from the youngest to those who grew up with the sound of the tamburitza – to come to Susedgrad on the evening of October 25 and support this joint project of neighborhood culture and Croatian musical heritage in the heart of Zagreb.