DIALOGUE OF THE BELLOWS
“Dialogue of the Bellows” is a concert that, through the accordion and bandoneon, presents the encounter of two kindred instruments — different in color and expression, yet united by their shared breath, movement, and expressive power.
The program opens with the evocative composition Los Sueños by the Argentine master Astor Piazzolla, performed solo on the bandoneon. In this work, the splendor of the bandoneon is fully revealed through its rich harmonic structure, rhythmic freedom, and strong improvisational character.
Next are the Variations on a Popular Theme for Accordion by Bruno Bjelinski, one of the rare original works for solo accordion in Croatian literature. This charming and witty piece is based on a recognizable theme, which the composer develops through a series of technically and stylistically diverse variations, combining virtuosity with lyricism.
The program concludes with a transcription of the famous piano cycle Pictures at an Exhibition by the Russian composer Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. Through ten musical “pictures” and the connecting Promenade, the piece evokes impressions from an exhibition of paintings by artist Viktor Hartmann. In its accordion version, this monumental score reveals new tonal colors and powerful expressiveness, presenting the accordion as a fully-fledged concert instrument capable of rich and layered musical narration.
DUO CROATICO
CROATIAN POSTCARD
The “Croatian Postcard” program takes listeners on a musical journey through Croatia, showcasing the richness of traditional melodies woven into the works of contemporary classical composers. Each composition brings to life the distinctive motifs of a particular region, offering the audience an opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of Croatia’s musical heritage.
In addition to the clarinet and accordion — instruments renowned for their wide tonal and technical range — the program also features traditional Croatian instruments such as the trojnica, sluškinja, sopile, and lijerica.
ONCE UPON A REED…
“Once Upon a Reed…” is a concert that unites the clarinet, saxophone, accordion, and bandoneon through their shared principle of sound production — the vibration of a reed.
In the clarinet and saxophone, sound is created by the vibration of a wooden reed under the performer’s breath, while in the accordion and bandoneon, air from the bellows sets metal reeds into motion to produce tone.
Although these instruments belong to different families, they are all based on the same principle — vibration — which naturally blends their tones and colors into a unique, romantic musical experience.
DUO ARTINA
THE TRAVELLING FLUTE
If you’ve ever wished to escape to the other side of the world – even just for an hour – this concert is for you. Duo Artina invites you on a musical journey across different cultures and regions, featuring the sounds of the flute, piccolo, and the Chinese bamboo flute, DiZi.
The program includes pieces that capture the spirit of various places – from the Far East, through Europe, all the way to Latin America. Each one is like a small postcard from the road, full of colors, scents, and stories we wish to share with you.
The Traveling Flute was born from our desire to explore the world through music, and now we invite you to join us on that journey.
Martina Jembrišak 