(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
In the magnificent setting of Vienna’s Musikverein, one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, the traditional Međimurska popevka made its debut on 8 November, filling the Golden Hall with emotion, tradition and pride.
The concert, titled A Tribute to Međimurska Popevka, gathered more than 1,600 guests from Austria and Croatia, marking a proud moment for Croatian culture on the international stage.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
On stage, elegance met energy. Renowned soprano Marija Vidović, accompanied by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ivan Hut, delighted the audience with contemporary arrangements of traditional songs from Međimurje.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
The evening’s special guest was legendary guitarist Vlatko Stefanovski, whose performance added a distinctive touch to the event.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
“It was a night full of emotion and gratitude. To present Croatian culture and the Međimurska popevka in the city where I studied and which I now call home is an invaluable honour,” said Marija Vidović, known for her refined artistry and heartfelt expression.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
The programme opened with the overture from Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus, followed by moving renditions of beloved songs such as Mura, Mura, Međimurje, kak si lepo zeleno, and Kaj, kaj, kaj.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
The audience responded with prolonged applause, especially for the emotive performances of Ljubav se ne trži and Nega sonca, nit meseca.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
Among the guests were notable figures from culture, diplomacy and sport, including Matija Posavec, Prefect of Međimurje County; Zlatko Dalić; Zlatko Mateša; Minea; and Dr. Velibor Puzović.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
“Bringing the popevka to Musikverein opens new doors for cultural cooperation and the promotion of our heritage across Europe. The Međimurska popevka is more than just a song, it is part of our identity that connects people and tells the story of our homeland in the most beautiful way,” said Prefect Matija Posavec.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
His words were echoed by Rudi Grula, Director of the Međimurje County Tourist Board and one of the event’s organisers:
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
“The popevka is a bridge between past and future, between Međimurje and the world. Its performance in Vienna shows just how universal and powerful our heritage truly is.”
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
The Vienna concert was more than a musical performance – it was a cultural milestone. It marked the start of a world tour dedicated to the Međimurska popevka and included the announcement of a new cultural attraction in Međimurje: the Museum of Međimurska Popevka, set to open in early 2026.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)
As the sounds of Međimurje, kak si lepo zeleno echoed through the Golden Hall, one thing became clear – that small Croatian region had, for one unforgettable evening, captured the heart of Europe.
(Photo credit: Nikola Zoko)