The legendary singer, ahead of the 'Evening of Divas' at the 72nd Split Summer Festival, reveals why every visit to the city beneath Marjan is emotional and recalls the theater days that unveiled new artistic dimensions.
One of the special musical moments of the finale of the 72nd Split Summer Festival will take place on Thursday, August 13, when two divas of the Croatian music scene, Radojka Šverko and Zdenka Kovačiček, will perform at the playground of the Tourism and Hospitality School starting at 9 PM. Ahead of the concert titled 'Evening of Divas,' Radojka Šverko shared her thoughts on her career, theater, and her special connection to Split.
Although the public primarily knows her for a music career spanning nearly six decades, Šverko also recalled her rich theater experience. She played five major roles in five different productions, portraying Jana in 'Gubec-beg,' Nera in 'The Witch of Grič,' Fantine in 'Les Misérables,' Karolina in 'Karolina Rijeka,' and Mara in 'Mirakul.'
"Theater revealed something in me that I wasn't even aware of," Šverko told Dalmacija Danas, adding that these roles brought her immense joy. "It was a period that deeply inspired me. It uncovered artistic moments and possibilities within me that perhaps I wasn't even conscious of."
Although she has many memories tied to Split, the singer admits that during her career, she didn't perform in the city beneath Marjan as often as she might have. The reason lies in her characteristic approach to engagements.
"I really wasn't in Split that much. I could have afforded more, but I simply operate by waiting to be invited. I'm not someone who will call and beg for a performance. If someone remembers me, if they want me and think that my musical inclination and what I do could be useful, then I gladly respond," Šverko said candidly.
When asked what first comes to mind when she hears the word Split, the answer came without hesitation. For her, Split is not just another concert destination but a place of deep family ties.
"Split connects me first and foremost to my family and relatives. Many of them are unfortunately no longer with us, but some are still here. That's why coming to Split is never just another visit to a city," the singer said. She recently received a standing ovation at the Croatian National Theatre in Split, and now she returns after a relatively short time. "In any case, I'm very glad to be back in Split," she added.
In addition to the two divas, the 'Evening of Divas' program will be hosted by Arijana Čulina, and the audience will also be treated to performances by Sara Brodarić Šegvić, Željko Brodarić Jappa, Zrinka Milić, and Antonella Malis. The musical accompaniment will be provided by the Big Band and Blues Band, promising a lavish open-air musical experience.
