In the Cathedral of St. Anastasia in Zadar, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:15 p.m., the Mixed Choir Podravina from Ludbreg performed together with soloists from the LADO Ensemble: soprano Anita Huđek and cimbalom player Alan Kanski. The choir presented a program of Lenten chants from Podravina and Međimurje, bringing to the audience the rich tradition of folk church singing from northern Croatia.

This guest performance offered the people of Zadar a unique opportunity to encounter an authentic spiritual musical heritage while contributing to cultural exchange and the preservation of sacred musical traditions. In the heart of Lent—the time of preparation for the greatest Christian feast, Easter—following the devotion of the Way of the Cross and the Holy Mass, visitors to the cathedral had the opportunity to deepen their spiritual experience through the rich religious and cultural heritage of the Croatian people. Throughout history, Christianity has profoundly shaped the life of the Croatian nation, particularly through the use of the vernacular language in the liturgy. In this way, the Gospel has become deeply woven into our culture, customs, and traditions. Within the framework of Croatian cultural heritage, the motifs of Christ’s Passion hold a special place: the Way of the Cross, the lament of the Virgin Mary known as Gospin plač (Mary’s Lament), as well as reflections on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. These Passion motifs have strongly influenced both the spirituality and artistic expression of the Croatian people.

As part of the 35th edition of the Passion Heritage Festival, we had the honor of gathering in our cathedral for a cultural and spiritual reflection on Christ’s Passion through Lenten chants from Podravina and Međimurje under the title “Kajkavska Meša.”

“Kajkavska Meša” is not merely a concert program but a prayerful and meditative journey through northern Croatia. These chants invite us into the silence of the heart, calling us back to the simple faith of our ancestors and leading us toward a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ’s Passion.

Recital Program “Kajkavska Meša”

The program consists of a series of Lenten chants from the folk musical tradition of Podravina and Međimurje. These melodies have lived for centuries in churches, chapels, and homes throughout this part of Croatia, especially during Lent—a time of reflection, penance, and contemplation of Christ’s Passion. Within these chants, theological depth intertwines with popular devotion, the biblical message with the everyday speech of the Kajkavian people. It is precisely in this simplicity that their strength lies. The program follows the inner dynamics of Lenten meditation—from personal prayer and the profession of faith, through reflection on Christ’s suffering, to compassion for the grieving Mother and the call to conversion.

Chants performed in the Cathedral of St. Anastasia on March 13, 2026

Vjutro otprem oči – a morning prayer invoking God’s presence at the beginning of the day.

Bože milostivni – a penitential cry of a person who recognizes their own weakness and seeks God’s mercy.

Čitanje poslanice svetoga Pavla – a chant in the Kajkavian dialect sung in a simple quintal tone.

Verujem vu Boga – the Kajkavian version of the Creed.

Putuval sem po svetu – a chant describing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Kršćeniki plačite – a powerful penitential call to share in Christ’s suffering.

Noć nad gorom – evoking the darkness of the night in Gethsemane and the moment of Christ’s solitude.

Tužno plače – a moving portrayal of Mary’s sorrow beneath the Cross.

Majka Božja je zaspala – a poetic image of silence and sorrow.

Križnem drevu – a hymn-like reflection on the Cross as the sign of salvation.

Nesem videl takvo stablo – a metaphorical depiction of the Cross as a tree bearing the fruit of redemption.

Isuse moj, dobro moje – a personal prayer addressed to Christ crucified.

Tužni glasi – a lamentation chant expressing deep sorrow and contemplation.

Smilujte se, vape mile dušice – a chant reminding us of the transience of life and calling for prayer for the departed.

O braćo premila – a chant traditionally sung at funeral Masses, often performed by the cantor or organist.

These ancient chants, shaped by the faith and experience of our ancestors, invite us to gather our hearts in contemplation and to reflect more deeply on the mystery of Christ’s Passion. In the simplicity of the Kajkavian word and the strength of folk singing, we recognize a living heritage that connects us with past generations and calls us to become its guardians as well. May this music remind us that the way of the Cross is also the path toward the joy of the Resurrection.

Performers

Mixed Choir Podravina

The Mixed Choir Podravina from Ludbreg is active in the town of Ludbreg and its wider surrounding area. Through its rich repertoire, the choir nurtures the musical heritage of the Podravina region, performing both secular and sacred music as well as works by Croatian and international composers. The choir proudly preserves the identity of choral singing from the Podravina region and strives to pass this enthusiasm on to younger generations. Over the past decade, the choir has participated in almost all county choral festivals in Varaždin County and has performed at numerous events throughout Croatia and abroad. At the initiative of the choir, the choral festival “Podravske note” (Podravina Notes) was established. Now in its fourth year, the festival contributes to the cultural and tourist life of the town of Ludbreg. In 2025, the choir gave a full evening concert as part of the Passion Heritage Festival in Zagreb, where it received special recognition for promoting Kajkavian folk heritage.

Anita Huđek – soprano

Soprano Anita Huđek from Varaždin has been closely connected with folklore since her early youth. She has performed at numerous festivals throughout Croatia and has won the titles “First Voice of Zagorje” and “First Voice of Northwestern Croatia.” The Međimurje folk song tradition (međimurska popevka) holds a special place in her repertoire. In addition to music, she is also involved in acting. Together with the group Lojtrice, she has been nominated for the Porin Award in the category Best Children’s Album

Alan Kanski – cimbalom

Alan Kanski was born in Varaždin and lives in Sveti Ivan Zelina. Since 2000 he has been a permanent member of the LADO Ensemble, and since 2008 he has served as the leader of its orchestra. He is dedicated to researching authentic folklore from his region as well as traditional culture in general. Through his work, he actively promotes traditional instruments and teaches younger generations. He began playing the cimbalom in his early twenties, and today it is his favourite and primary instrument.