BILO VAVEK VESELO

CONCERT TO IVAN MATETIĆ RONJGOV

The Rijeka Theatre, in cooperation with the Ivan Matetić Ronjgov Institute, dedicates a large choral concert to one of the most important Croatian composers of the 20th century – Ivan Matetić Ronjgov (1880-1960), on the occasion of his double anniversary. Ronjgov is most notable for his definition of the Istrian scale, as well as its practical application. Thanks to his discovery, the fixation of the six-tone system, he was able to record, harmonize, and process many folk songs from the northern Adriatic region (Istria, the Croatian coast, the northern Adriatic islands), and then compose in that spirit. In this way, Ivan Matetić Ronjgov created compositions which are considered to be among the most significant works of not only Croatian, but also world choral a cappella literature. Matetić’s oeuvre is a shining example and signpost for artistic creation based on the jewel of our original and unique cultural heritage – singing and playing on the Istrian scale – which is on the UNESCO list of intangible world cultural heritage.

The best choirs and vocal ensembles and sopila players from Rijeka and its surroundings will give their great contribution to the preservation and promotion of the composer’s opus based on the unique national treasure of our homeland, while reciters Rajko Jurdana-Šepić and Denis Brižić will revive Matetić’s domestic oration in his native Chakavian.