Something Different

One of the tenets of this adventure has always been to try to find some off-the-beaten-track experiences as well as the attractions that most people gravitate towards. We managed to accomplish this last night. The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the Antiphonus Choir performed Bach's St. John's Passion Lenten Concert which they called "Days of Christian Culture". This was done in celebration of the 330th anniversary of J.S. Bach's birth. Founded in 1925, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra was originally called the Dubrovnik City Orchestra. The name changed in 1992 to the Festival Symphony Orchestra, finally achieving its present name. Many of its musicians have academic education from the Zagreb Academy of Music and are accomplished soloists. In addition, there are a number of original composers amongst its members.

After several years of singing in various groups, the Antiphonus Choir finally came together in 2006. They perform a wide-range repertoire, from the Eastern European full-bodied vocal sound to that of western countries. However, the choir likes to focus on Croatian contemporary music. The two groups do tour all over Europe and the United States.

The two Antiphonus Choir alto singers, Vesna and Vesna, we had met earlier, standing next to the announcement of the concert.

The concert was held in the Franciscan Church in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

Tamislov Facini conducted the concert and is well known in the classical music world around Europe. He is an accomplished musician as well as a bass singer in the Antiphonus Choir.

There were 18 musicians in the orchestra and 13 singers (including the conductor) in the choir.

Soloist singing from the raised side pulpit.

We thoroughly enjoyed this evening's entertainment.