For all lovers of music and the Christmas atmosphere, the Croatian Singing Society "Bijaćka vila" - Kaštela is organizing an Advent concert that will be held on December 19, 2025 at 20 p.m. in the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kaštel Stari. This year, performances by special guests such as the famous soprano Rea Veseli, the brilliant baritone Danijel Vukelja and the Trogir String Orchestra (TGO) will enrich the diverse musical experiences.
Concert guest, soprano Rea Veseli, of Croatian-Albanian origin is well-rounded in her solo career. After a master's degree in applied chemistry, she returned to singing, with numerous awards in competitions that support the quality of her work, such as first prizes at the "Stojan Stojanov Gančev" and for her early and very good role of the Queen of the Night in Papandopulo's opera Amphitrion at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, including the Rector's Award. Her work in opera productions and with leading conductors testifies to the extraordinary power of her voice and growing artistic skill.
The next guest is Daniel Vukelja, born in 2003 in Zagreb, who graduated from the Pavle Markovac Music School with primary and secondary education in music. He studied solo singing since 2019/2020, and attended a singing course at the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb in 2023, with Professor Lidija Horvat Dunjko as a mentor. He has won numerous awards, including first and second prizes at the state competition HDGPP and first prize at the international singing competition "Distant Chords" in 2022. He attended seminars by famous artists, participated in numerous academic projects, including the role of Tisiphone in the opera Hippolytus and Aricius, and was a guest at the Academy of Trento. Continuing his singing studies, he graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy where, in the academic year 2024/2025, he obtained a bachelor's degree in history with an award for excellence in studies, where he studied history.
Trogir String Orchestra (TGO), founded in 2020 as part of the Association for the Development of Music, promotes education based on teaching music to children and young people and contributes to the enrichment of the cultural life of Trogir. Inspired by the cellist Robert Žburin, TGO brings together graduates of previous music schools and those who are now creating real music through art. They perform traditional, popular and film music, with an emphasis on Dalmatian and Croatian traditional music. The orchestra has already achieved great success, premiered the ballet "Kairos in Trogir" and participated in Advent programs, while in 2025 it will continue to increase cooperation with partners in the form of joint concerts such as this one, with the HPD "Bijaćka vila".
Based on the work of the current choirmaster of the HPD "Bijaćka vila", Stipe Bakić, all performers for the concert have prepared a unique and multidisciplinary program that includes traditional and contemporary Advent and Christmas songs. Stipe Bakić, born in 1999, was educated in Split and Zagreb, and professionally trained through the Munich Radio Orchestra and led the Young Musicians Orchestra as president. His work and talent offer a fantastic musical moment.
- This festive event is perfect for all families and friends to join in the festive spirit, listening to a superb mix of performances by HPD "Bijaćka vila", soprano Rea Veseli, baritone Danijela Vukelja and the Trogir String Orchestra. Come and share Advent music with us in the heart of Kaštel Stari - said the organizers
Photo: HPD Bijaćka vila
