President Milanović Awards Charter of the Republic of Croatia to Klapa Luka, All-Female Vocal Group from Rijeka

The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović has awarded the Charter of the Republic of Croatia to Klapa Luka, an all-female vocal group from Rijeka, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the promotion of the authentic musical styles of the Primorje-Istrian and Dalmatian regions. The award coincides with the group’s 40^th anniversary. The Charter was accepted by the ensemble’s president, Jagoda Lesica.

Klapa Luka is the first women’s klapa from the northern Adriatic region and the first from Rijeka to perform at Dalmatian klapa competitions, upholding the traditional musical styles of Dalmatia and the Primorje-Istrian region. The group will mark its 40^th anniversary with a celebratory concert titled “The First 40” on 13 June in Rijeka, exactly 40 years after their founding in 1985.

Over four decades on the music scene, the women’s Klapa Luka has distinguished itself through numerous successful competitions, concerts, eight album releases, international performances, and various other musical endeavours. During the ceremony, the ensemble performed the songs “Vo je naša zemja” and “Cetina” for President Milanović.

The klapa currently consists of eight members: Jagoda Lesica, Sanja Žan, Sandra Valenčić, Vedrana Veljačić Linić, Vesna Juretić, Mirjana Crnić Novosel, Marinka Bogičević, and Sandra Damijanić. Accompanying the ensemble was their artistic director, the renowned Croatian musician Andrej Babić.

President Milanović was accompanied by Zdravko Zima, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Culture.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan