FOLKLORE SECTION

The folklore section has a rich repertoire of choreographies from all parts of Croatia, particularly nurturing and performing songs and dances from northern Croatia (Prigorje, Zagorje, Podravina and Međimurje). Additionally, it boasts an exceptionally rich treasury of traditional costumes, which it has maintained for many years.

The folklore section, together with the Tamburitza section, regularly participates in all significant cultural events throughout the year in the city of Varaždin and Varaždin County. Throughout its history, it has performed across Croatia and in many European cities and international folklore festivals, where it has regularly won awards and recognitions (Great Britain, Spain, Czech Republic, France, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, …).

Over the years, hundreds of dancers have passed through the folklore section of KUD HŽ, who still gather for special occasions such as society anniversaries.

Today, about thirty active members meet twice a week at the Railwaymen’s Hall, practicing steps from the rich Croatian cultural and artistic heritage. Once a week, the folklore members also have singing rehearsals.

The KUD’s repertoire includes numerous choreographies from nearby Croatian regions such as Međimurje, Podravina, Prigorje, and two choreographies from Hrvatsko Zagorje. Additionally, the society performs choreographies from Posavina, Slavonija, Baranja, Bunjevac Croats, and dances from Banat.

TAMBURITZA SECTION

Just like the folklore section, the tamburitza section is a pride and joy of KUD HŽ, multiple generations of tamburitza players have learned and honed their skills within this society.

With the sounds of the tamburitza, the tamburitza section faithfully accompanies the folklore dancers in all performances of the rich repertoire of choreographed folklore, particularly nurturing and performing songs and dances from northern Croatia (Prigorje, Zagorje, Podravina, and Međimurje). Additionally, the tamburitza players accompany choreographies from Posavina, Slavonija, Baranja, Bunjevac Croats, and dances from Banat.

The tamburitza section, together with the folklore section, regularly participates in all significant cultural events throughout the year in the city of Varaždin and Varaždin County. Throughout its history, it has performed across Croatia and in many European cities and international folklore festivals, where it has regularly won awards and recognitions (Great Britain, Spain, Czech Republic, France, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, …).

Today, the tamburitza section consists of about ten active tamburitza players and a violinist, meeting for rehearsals twice a week.

BRASS ORCHESTRA

The brass orchestra was founded in 1931 under the name “Railway Music Varaždin”. It operated under this name until 1949, when its activities were expanded with the establishment of the Cultural and Artistic Society of Railway Workers “Ivo Mikac” Varaždin, adding tamburitza, folklore, and singing sections alongside the brass orchestra.

Throughout its activity, the orchestra has performed in all Croatian regions, and its first international performance in 1965 in Wels, Austria, marked the beginning of performances in most European countries, some multiple times, from Norway in the north to Macedonia in the south, from Cardiff in the United Kingdom in the west to Pécs in Hungary in the east.

Major international successes were achieved in 1971 in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1985 in Épinay-sur-Seine, France, and in 1995 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where it won first place in the category of foreign orchestras.

The society and the orchestra were initiators and co-organizers of international brass orchestra festivals held in Varaždin in 1969, 1970, 1971, and 2006, and hosts of the European Railway Brass orchestras Festival in 1999. The orchestra participated in international festivals in 1979 in Wels, 1988 in Hamar, 1992 in Freiburg, 2004 in Velenje, 2005 in Ostrava, and 2007 in Rybnik.

According to experts, the orchestra is among the best amateur orchestras in Croatia, demonstrated by performances at national reviews and gold plaques won in Velenje, Ostrava, and Rybnik.

At the 37th Meeting of Croatian Brass orchestras held in May 2024 in Zagreb, the orchestra won a gold plaque.

At the end of each year, the orchestra organizes the now traditional Annual Gala Concert, rounding off a successful year and enthusiastically planning new performances, guest appearances, and competitions for the next year.

The orchestra participates in all events organized by the City of Varaždin, the Varaždin City Tourist Board, and the Community of Cultural and Artistic Associations of Varaždin County, and has long collaborated with other associations such as the Varaždin Civic Guard, Varaždin Fire Department, Varaždin Majorettes, and others.

Today, the orchestra gathers about forty members and is rejuvenated with students from the Varaždin Music School, with whom it has successfully collaborated for many years.

CONTACT – KUD HŽ VARAŽDIN, Croatia

Address:

KUD Hrvatskih željeznica
Kolodvorska 17
42000 VARAŽDIN
Croatia

Email:

kudhzvarazdin@gmail.com

Mobile phone:

+385 99 448 5702 – Biljana / President
+385 98 178 9745 – Kristijan / Folklore section
+385 95 391 7063 – Nikola / Tamburitza section
+385 99 411 7350 – Marko / Brass orchestra