Different and special, just like the country it comes from, the Istrian scale is in the hearts and ears of every Istrian. On Thursday, June 13, you can expect the "Istarski Kanti" concert dedicated to local, Istrian authors performed by the fantastic HRT Choir under the direction of conductor Domeniko Briški.

When thinking of Istrian notes and authors, thoughts first fly to Ivan Matetić Ronjgov, who is most responsible for the establishment of the Istrian scale and laying the foundation for one of the greatest cultural awards, the entry of the Istrian scale into the UNESCO list of representative intangible heritage.

The vast area of ​​unexplored harmonies and melodies of the Istrian scale is an ocean of creativity from which many authors were, and still are, inspired. The concert "Istarski kanti" brings a cross-section of what local authors have produced from that source up to today, like anthology works of Croatian choral music such as Matetić's "Naš kanat je lip" and "Ćaće moj", "Naš domaći glas" by the great Boris Papandopulo, "Pod Učkun kučice bela" and "Tri nonice" by Drago Gervais, "Travarica" by Nello Milotti and a premiere of a few new compositions such as "Škitački balun" by Massimo Brajković.

This will be an evening of gratitude for the Istrian musical heritage, but also of pride in what today's authors are leaving behind as their legacy. Three composers whose works we will hear are professors at the Academy of Music in Pula, Laura Čuperjani, Branko Okmaca and Massimo Brajković, and out of three of their works, two are premieres.

Performing a wide repertoire, from Renaissance to contemporary music, a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment, the HRT Choir shows exceptional versatility, which has earned it guest appearances throughout Europe, as well as numerous awards. The audience in Pula will be presented with a 'local programme' under the leadership of Domeniko Briški who is a respected member of the Istrian academic scene as an assistant professor at the Department of Music at Juraj Dobrila University.

This is an excellent opportunity to experience Istrian tradition in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.