The Cantus Ensemble, which operates under the auspices of the Croatian Society of Composers, is the only Croatian ensemble for contemporary music that can boast of continuous work, now for more than 20 years.

 

With its enthusiasm and dedication, the ensemble persistently embarks on new stories and always conquers new highlights. Looking back, at the time of the ensemble’s 20th birthday, which was marked in 2021, it was clear that it had not only succeeded in its basic mission but went a step further, proving to be an irreplaceable and truly necessary factor in Croatian culture.

On occasion of the great 20 years of Cantus’ journey, the audience could listen to 20 selected compositions by Croatian composers, in 20 exquisite solo performances by members of the Cantus Ensemble, those people who are an indispensable factor in its success – 20 for 20.

 

The first performance of the celebratory series “20 for 20” premiered on April 24 last year, and violinist Martin Draušnik performed “Il piccolo catalogo dei sospiri”, the work of the artistic director of the ensemble, maestro Berislav Šipuš. Harpist Mirjana Krišković performed “Melancholy Variations” by Tomislav Uhlik, clarinetist Danijel Martinović chose “Two Reminiscences” by Antun Tomislav Šaban, while flutist Ana Batinica performed “Un soffio, un sospiro” by Sanda Majurec. “Wattle” by Sanja Drakulić was interpreted by pianist Filip Fak. 

 

Frano Đurović’s “Piju li nam vuci s izvora vodu“ was performed by Mario Šincek on trombone, Marko Ruždjak’s “Nighttime Converse” was played by cellist Jasen Chelfi, and Igor Lešnik’s “Masque&Tears” was performed on drums by Marko Mihajlović. Božidar Kunc’s “Dance” was chosen by oboist Iva Ledenko, while oboist Branko Mihanović celebrated Cantus’ birthday with a performance of Alfi Kabiljo’s “Cleopatra’s Potion”, and violinist Ivan Novinc presented Ivo Josipović’s “Mournful Song” accompanied by pianist Srebrenka Poljak. Dubravko Detoni’s “Impromptu – Variations” showed bassoonist Žarko Perišić in the best light, Adam Chelfi performed Sara Glojnarić’s “Nightmare” on cello, and trumpet player Vedran Kocelj presented “Seven Trumpets” by Srđan Dedić.

 

“Sonata for double-bass and piano” by Dubravko Palanović was performed by Nikša Bobetko and Filip Fak, while violinist Eva Mach performed “Façons de parler façons de voir” by Helena Skljarov. Percussionist Hrvoje Sekovanić performed the song “Mor” by Šimun Matišić, Bánk Harkay and Pavao Mašić performed “Canzona for horn and organ” by Anđelko Klobučar, and Srebrenka Poljak performed “Three Preludes” by Stanko Horvat on the piano. The celebratory series “20 for 20” ended on December 17 with the performance of the work “Poem” by the conductor of the Cantus Ensemble Ivan Josip Skender. The last in the series was presented by Tvrtko Pavlin on viola.

 

You can watch all of the performances on the YouTube channel of the Croatian Composers’ Society.