This April, Pula’s parks will serve as the backdrop for a unique musical event, “Come to the Park”, blending nature, top-tier music, and unforgettable social moments. Across three locations—Monte Zaro, Naval Park, and Franz Joseph I Park—music lovers will enjoy performances from exceptional artists, ranging from string quartets to energetic jazz ensembles.
DATES & LOCATIONS:
April 5 – Monte Zaro
• 11:00 AM – ROYA Saxophone Quartet
• 8:00 PM – Syncopaths Jazz Trio & Angelica Zacchigna
April 12 – Naval Park
• 11:00 AM – 4Tune String Quartet
• 8:00 PM – ST. THOMAS QUARTET feat. IVONA FABRIS
April 26 – Franz Joseph I Park
• 11:00 AM – Podium Brass Quintet
• 8:00 PM – Big Band Pula: Legends of Latin Jazz
On April 5 at Monte Zaro, the first concert will feature the ROYA Saxophone Quartet, consisting of Petra Horvat on soprano saxophone, Weronika Partyka on alto saxophone, Betka Bizjak Kotnik on tenor saxophone, and Jovana Joka on baritone saxophone. ROYA Quartet is a musical group with a distinctly multicultural identity, characterized by diverse traditions, experiences, heritage, and values. The four outstanding saxophonists have won numerous national and international awards and have performed at various concerts and festivals in Slovenia, Poland, France, Argentina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, and Croatia. Later in the evening, SYNCOPATHS TRIO & ANGELICA ZACCHIGNA will take the stage, featuring Aleksandar Lukić on guitar, Marko Kalčić on bass, Goran Salvi on drums, and Angelica Zacchigna on vocals. Their repertoire includes jazz standards and original compositions, blending styles such as Soul, R&B, and Funk.
On April 12, 4Tune String Quartet will perform at Naval Park, featuring musicians Milan Grbić on violin, Matea Kasaić Drakšić on violin, Liubov Zuraeva on viola, and Fabio Jurić on cello. These musicians have extensive experience gained through education, performances, and teaching in Croatia and abroad. Throughout their careers, they have participated in numerous concerts and competitions across Europe, collaborating with various orchestras and ensembles. In the evening, ST. THOMAS QUARTET feat. IVONA FABRIS will perform, featuring Boro Lukić on guitar, Leon Brenko on keyboards, Boro Lukić on guitar, Srđan Kuzmanović on double bass, Marco Quarantotto on drums, and Ivona Fabris on vocals. The band plays some of the most beautiful jazz standards made famous by greats such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett.
On April 26 at Franz Joseph I Park, audiences will be captivated by Podium Brass Quintet, founded in November 2014 and consisting of Mario Lončar on trumpet, Marin Zokić on trumpet, Hrvoje Pintarić on horn, Ivan Mučić on trombone, and Danijel Požgaj on tuba. The quintet is dedicated to promoting Croatian composers while also performing classical, jazz, film, and entertainment music. The members are award-winning musicians who work as educators, professional orchestra members, and chamber ensemble performers. The evening will conclude with Big Band Pula: Legends of Latin Jazz. For this year’s edition of “Come to the Park,” Pula’s Big Band has prepared compositions by legendary Cuban musicians and composers whose fusion with jazz and Big Band traditions in the mid-20th century significantly influenced the global music scene.
In addition to a rich musical program, visitors can enjoy delicious treats, coffee, and refreshing drinks, provided by Barlogistic and Damijanić Distillery. The event is organized by the Tourist Board of Pula with the support of the City of Pula. Admission to all concerts is free, and the organizers invite all generations to come, relax, and enjoy outstanding live performances in the open air. See you in the park – come, listen, and enjoy!