27th Organum Histriae

From May to September, Istria becomes the epicentre of organ music! The 27th edition of the Organum Histriae festival brings seven concerts to historic locations and, for the first time, presents a medieval portative organ.

This year’s Organum highlights Croatian women musicians, improvisation, and innovative encounters between instruments – from the alphorn and saxophone to historical organs. Audiences can look forward to international and Croatian artists, unique musical programmes that unite medieval, baroque, and contemporary music, as well as unforgettable sound experiences in the enchanting settings of Istria.

Do not miss the opportunity to experience the sound of the priceless historical organs built by Petar Nakić in Sveti Lovreč (1735), Gaetano Callido in Buje (1791) and Motovun (1797), and Antonio Barbini in Rovinj (1754).

The festival opens at the Cathedral in Pula ahead of the Feast of Pentecost (23 May) with the programme Veni Creator Spiritus, performed by the duo Dora Draclin (oboe) and Katarina Lamotte (organ). A blend of baroque, romantic, and nature-inspired sounds will mark the 800th anniversary of the “Canticle of the Creatures” and the 40th anniversary of the death of the great Maurice Duruflé.

On 28 May, at the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Sea, Mirjana Petercol performs the programme Sancta et Sanctissima, music dedicated to Gregorian chant and women, combining singing and the playing of the medieval portative organ.

On 30 May, at the Parish Church of St Stephen in Motovun, the duo Alphorn & Organ (Carlo Torlontano and Francesco Di Lernia) presents a fusion of alpine horns and organ music, creating a unique blend of traditional and classical music under the intriguing concert title Silent Mountains.

On 11 July, at the Parish Church of St Servulus in Buje, the Istrian Chamber Orchestra and Organum Histriae join forces! As part of the 2nd concert season of the Istrian Chamber Orchestra and under the baton of Petar Matošević, local soloists Letizia Ulika Roce (violin), Elena Roce (organ), and Sandro Peročević (double bass) will perform.

The programme Concerto per organo e archi centres around the Organ Concerto in B-flat major by the great G. F. Handel, accompanied by several orchestral works and the evening’s special highlight – a composition by the contemporary Istrian composer Branko Okmaca.

The first weekend of September brings Impro (Ob)session to Sveti Lovreč Pazenatički and the Parish Church of St Martin (5 September), where young Italian organist Gabriele Agrimonti performs works based on improvisation, while also marking major anniversaries of this year through his own improvisations, including the 400th anniversary of the death of John Dowland.

The following evening (6 September), at the Cathedral in Pula, the programme Dialoghi d’aria presents a combination of organ and saxophone. Gabriele Agrimonti once again showcases his artistry, this time alongside young Italian saxophonist Elias Lapia, exploring sound colours from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

The 27th edition concludes on 26 September at the Parish Church of St Euphemia in Rovinj with a performance by world-renowned organist Jeremy Joseph, who interprets works ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary improvisations, bringing a personal touch to performances on the magnificent A. Barbini organ.

Organum Histriae – where tradition meets innovation and music brings history to life!

All concerts begin at 8 PM and admission is free!

For more information, visit the official website and social media channels: Organum Histriae | Organum Histriae Festival