23rd Vocal Music Festival “In Memory of Brajša”

In 2026, the Matko Brajša Rašan Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) from Pula celebrates 75 years of continuous activity and successful amateur work, an anniversary of which we are particularly proud. As part of its programme activities, on 14 November 2026 the Society will organise the 23rd Vocal Music Festival “In Memory of Brajša” at Circolo – the Italian Community of Pula. The “In Memory of Brajša” festival has been held since 2004 with the aim of promoting the beauty of choral singing based on the Istrian scale, with particular emphasis on the works of the renowned Istrian composer and ethnomusicologist Matko Brajša Rašan, whose name our Society proudly bears. The primary aim of this gathering of choirs is to preserve and promote traditional values and the musical heritage of Istria, as well as to foster musical works based on the Istrian scale. Each participating choir is required to include at least one composition by Matko Brajša Rašan in its repertoire, while the remaining pieces are selected freely. In addition to works by Matko Brajša Rašan, the programme traditionally features compositions by other Istrian and Littoral composers, arrangements of traditional songs from our region based on the Istrian scale, as well as compositions originating from various parts of Croatia and other regions. This year’s edition of the festival is of particular significance, as it takes place in the year in which the Matko Brajša Rašan Cultural and Artistic Society celebrates the important milestone of 75 years of continuous activity.