Ićo Sikirić (Photo: Fabio Šimićev)
Zadar is set to open its festive season in true Dalmatian style this Monday as beloved Bibinje–Zadar singer Ivica Sikirić Ićo takes to the main Advent stage on Trg Petra Zoranića.
The popular “bibinjski slavuj” (Bibinje nightingale) will lead the opening night with a full concert beginning at 20:30, joined by a special surprise guest – rising star of The Voice Kids, Leonardo Leo Rados.
For Ićo, the occasion carries special meaning.
“Opening the Advent in Zadar will be a unique moment for me. We’ll have a real Zadar-style celebration,” he says with enthusiasm.
With more than three decades on the Croatian klapa and pop-rock scene, Ićo remains one of the most recognisable voices of Zadar’s musical landscape.
His latest hit Obeća san became a summer sensation, boosted by an unexpected Italian twist thanks to singer Savio Vurchi’s guest vocals. The song marked a powerful return for the Bibinje tenor, once again placing him at the heart of the domestic music scene.
Ićo Sikirić (Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)
Ićo credits songwriter Rudolf Dvorski, arranger Ivan Popeskić and video director Igor Goić for capturing everything fans love about his sound – warm pop-rock melodies enriched with heartfelt emotion.
“I’ll bring the sun in my hands,” he likes to say, echoing the spirit he brings to every performance.
On Monday he will be joined by his five-member band Kolona, with plans already underway to expand the group and elevate their live shows.
“It will be a privilege to open Zadar Advent. I performed here three years ago, but never on the opening night. I’m looking forward to a beautiful evening and a great party for everyone,” he says.
For Ićo, the essence of the night is simple:
“Whether it’s me or another Zadar musician, the opening of Advent should always belong to the locals. We know how to create a real Zadar celebration.”
Ićo Sikirić (Photo: Fabio Šimićev)
The opening night excitement continues with guest performer Leonardo Leo Rados – the young Zadar talent who captured hearts across Croatia through The Voice Kids. Fresh off signing his first record deal with Croatia Records, Leo brings youthful energy and charm to the Advent stage.
Will he and Ićo perform together?
“Let it remain a secret,” Ićo teases. “It will be wonderful to see a young Zadar singer who has already won over audiences nationwide. Leo is a born entertainer.”
BOX: Leo Rados – “No Fear, I Can’t Wait to Perform in My City”
While Monday night will end for Leo under bright stage lights and in front of several thousand people, his day will begin much more normally – with school.
“No fear,” says the young singer. “I feel positive excitement. I can’t wait. There will be a lot of people, but I already had a concert once with four or five thousand in the audience, and everyone ended up on stage by the end!”
Leo is preparing a new single for release in early December, though he is keeping his Advent setlist secret for now.
“I love Ićo’s songs – they’re beautiful and easy to sing. It will be a real pleasure to perform with him.”
Leo Rados
BOX: Coming Up – Klapa Leut, Nina & The Boyz, Vista and Buđenje
Zadar Advent continues throughout the week with a strong music programme on Trg Petra Zoranića.
• 25 November, 19:30 – Klapa Leut (Ploče)
• 26 November, 19:30 – Nina & The Boyz (Zadar)
• 27 November, 20:30 – Zadar group Vista
• 28 November, 21:00 – Zagreb pop-rock band Buđenje