The female a cappella group Neverin performed last weekend in Hamburg, where the Croatian community gathered on the eve of Christmas, announced the Croatian Consulate General in that German city.
"The two-day program was an opportunity to more closely evoke the pre-Christmas atmosphere and strengthen the spirit of unity of the Croatian community in northern Germany," reported the Consulate General, which organized the program.
The female a cappella group Neverin held a concert on Saturday at the Hamburg Academy of Music and Theater, where more than 80 guests listened to traditional Dalmatian songs, as well as those by famous Croatian poets, and covers of some Croatian compositions.
In his opening speech, Consul General Kristijan Tušek emphasized the importance of klapa singing as one of the most prominent vocal traditions of Croatia, and its special role during Advent.
"Her warmth of voice and simple yet penetrating aesthetic create a space for reflection, intimacy and peace," he stated.
Klapa singing is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. In addition to musical performances, the audience was presented with exhibits of traditional wooden toys from the Croatian Zagorje region, also included on the UNESCO list. Additionally, in cooperation with Croatian education abroad, handmade nativity scenes made by lower grade students were exhibited.
After the concert, a reception was held where the attendees tasted traditional Dalmatian specialties, prepared by professional chef Goran Dolić, a German cooking champion, and Slavonian cakes were also served.
On Sunday, the Neverin a cappella group performed in front of more than 500 worshippers as part of a mass celebration in the Cathedral of St. Mary in Hamburg. The mass celebration was the end of a three-day period dedicated to the Days of the Croatian Catholic Mission in Hamburg, or the 56th anniversary of the mission's activities. The mass was led by Dubrovnik Bishop Roko Glasnović.
Photo: facebook (klapa Neverin)
