Scene
On September 25, Homage Collective will bring together renowned musicians to honor the great composer
Kabiljo’s timeless melodies will be performed in new arrangements
“Neka cijeli ovaj svijet zove se bajka, zelena i mirisna, cvjetna sva i nevina livada iz sna…“ (eng. “Let this whole world be called a fairytale, green and fragrant, a meadow full of flowers, innocent as in a dream…”) – with these lyrics in his hymn of optimism, the music giant Alfi Kabiljo once sent his message. Having recently left us, Kabiljo will be remembeed with a major tribute by Homage Collective, as Peti Kupe on Thursday, September 25th, will be filled with the joy and energy he left behind.
The name of this composer, conductor, arranger, pianist, lyricist, and producer is more than just another entry in a lexicon. It represents an entire musical universe, skillfully woven from sounds that became the soundtrack of our lives. From his student days, when he sold coal to afford cinema tickets, to the glamour of Hollywood, Alfi Kabiljo lived music. His list of work is like a river branching into countless streams: from hit songs that won hearts at festivals around the world, to the patriotic “Tvoja zemlja,” to the masterful melodies of musicals, orchestral works, and symphonic homages.
As the founder of Croatian musical theatre, he gave us timeless works such as Jalta, Jalta, the vocal harmonies of Kralj je gol, and the Kajkavian notes of Tko pjeva, zlo ne misli. Alongside his vast contribution to film music at home, Kabiljo’s talent crossed borders, leading him to Hollywood where he composed for films featuring Sharon Stone – yet he always returned to his family, the sea, and Croatia.
His rich palette will be revived at Peti Kupe by Homage Collective, a unique ensemble of acclaimed Croatian jazz musicians. Created in cooperation with Peti Kupe as a project dedicated to great composers and iconic bands, the series has drawn much attention from audiences and the media with its high-quality programs.
This performance will be a dialogue with Kabiljo’s legacy, offering fresh and refined interpretations that reveal new layers in well-known melodies. The songs will be performed by outstanding vocalists: Ivana Husar Mlinac, Ervin Baučić, Sanja Doležal, Martin Kosovec, Kristijan Beluhan, and Ivona Šimunić.
Taking us through this journey of time and sound will be instrumentalists:
Nikola Šantek – piano / Robert Vrbančić – bass / Janko Novoselić – drums / Borna Šercar – percussion / Davor Doležal – guitar, arrangements / Martina Drakulić, Lara Silvestri – violins / Petar Haluza – viola / Lovro Kovačević – cello / Zvonimir Bajević, Antonio Geček – trumpets / Vojkan Jocić – tenor saxophone / Hrvoje Štefanić – trombone / Dani Bošnjak – flute.
With Homage Collective’s new arrangements, Alfi Kabiljo’s notes will flow through Peti Kupe, telling the story of a life woven into melodies, musicals, and cinematic dreams.
The concert is sponsored by HEP.
Tickets are available here: Entrio.
