This Saturday, September 20th, Zagreb's cultural scene will be enriched by a unique musical and poetic experience. At the Špansko Market, in the very heart of this vibrant Zagreb neighborhood, the third edition of the Festival GLASno will take place, starting at 6:30 PM. This event, which in the most beautiful way combines the power of music and the beauty of the written word, under the motto "music that speaks, verses that sing," organized by the Muški vokalni ansambl Špansko, has grown into a traditional gathering place for lovers of choral music and poetry, offering free admission and a rich program for all generations. This open-air cultural event is an ideal opportunity for all residents of the western part of the city, as well as other Zagreb citizens and their guests, who are often looking for comfortable accommodation in Zagreb, to spend their Saturday evening in a relaxed atmosphere filled with top-notch artistic performances.

The organizer and creator of the festival, Muški vokalni ansambl Špansko, has made an exceptional effort again this year to present a diverse and high-quality program to the audience. Founded in 2007, this ensemble has become one of the pillars of the cultural scene in Špansko, working dedicatedly to promote vocal music. Their vision of a festival that combines music and verse has proven to be extremely successful, creating a platform where different artistic expressions meet. The GLASno Festival is not just a concert, but an all-evening cultural event that celebrates the richness of Croatian musical and literary heritage, and holding it in a public space like a market brings it closer to the community, making art accessible to everyone.

A Musical Kaleidoscope from All Corners of Croatia

This year's festival program brings a true musical kaleidoscope, with performances by as many as ten vocal groups and choirs coming from different parts of Croatia. This diversity guarantees the audience an evening filled with a variety of musical styles, from traditional klapa songs, through spiritual music, to modern arrangements of popular compositions. The list of performers testifies to the reputation the festival has gained, attracting high-quality ensembles eager to present themselves to the Zagreb audience. Visitors, many of whom come from other cities and are looking for affordable accommodation in Zagreb, will have the opportunity to hear a cross-section of the best that the Croatian vocal scene has to offer.

Among the performers from Zagreb, alongside the hosts from MVA Špansko, will be the MPZ Ivan Kukuljević Sakcinski, a choir with a long and rich tradition, as well as the Zbor Maranatha, known for its performances of spiritual music and its active work in the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Špansko. Special attention is also drawn to the female Klapa Balinjera, a relatively young group that has already won the hearts of the audience with its talent and energy. The musical evening will be enriched by performances from guests outside of Zagreb. From Bistra comes the MPZ Bistrani, a male choir that nurtures the tradition of choral singing in its region. From Krapinske Toplice comes the multi-award-winning Ženska vokalna skupina KUD-a Zlatko Baloković, while from Selnica in Međimurje comes the ŽVS Sveti Marko, known for preserving the Međimurje popevka. From Suhopolje, the Vokalni ansambl Contesse will present themselves, a group of teachers who have won numerous awards for their performances, including gold at an international competition. The program will be further enriched by performances from Trio evergreen and the unique Ansambl Alma del viento, which in a specific way combines traditional South American music with the Međimurje popevka, creating an unusual and exotic sound that we rarely have the opportunity to hear.

Verses That Sing in the Heart of Špansko

What sets the GLASno Festival apart from other musical events is precisely its poetic dimension. This year, the harmony between notes and words will be woven by two distinguished poets, Gordana Kovačić and Ivan Kojundžić. Their verses will serve as an interlude between the musical blocks, creating a special, contemplative atmosphere and giving the audience a chance to immerse themselves in the world of metaphors and emotions. This segment of the program is a reminder of the power of the spoken word and its ability, just like music, to convey the deepest human feelings. The combination of music and poetry on the open stage of the Špansko Market creates a unique ambiance, where art meets everyday life, and culture becomes part of the urban bustle. Throughout the evening, visitors will be guided by the experienced host Jelena Ucov, whose task will be to connect all the program points into a meaningful and fluid whole.

The importance of this festival for the local community, as well as for the broader cultural map of the city, has been recognized by its patrons – the City of Zagreb and the company outdoor akzent. Their support allows this valuable cultural event to remain free for all visitors, thus directly encouraging the cultural participation of citizens. Holding the festival at the Špansko Market, an atypical but extremely vital public space, is a strategic move that displaces culture from closed halls and brings it closer to the people. It is also an invitation to everyone to spend Saturday evening, September 20th, outdoors, enjoying top-quality art in an informal and friendly environment. For all those who plan to visit this event and are not from the city, the location is easily accessible, and quality accommodation in the western part of Zagreb can be found nearby, allowing for a perfect cultural weekend trip.