Split's Klapa Peristil Wins Four Awards in Opuzen
The song 'Šapni joj more' earned them the second prize from the expert jury at Melodies of the Croatian South, with additional accolades for music, lyrics, and arrangement.
The song 'Šapni joj more' earned them the second prize from the expert jury at Melodies of the Croatian South, with additional accolades for music, lyrics, and arrangement.
This year's Melodies of the Croatian South festival in Opuzen gave rise to a story of friendship and musical talent from Split. Klapa Peristil, which has been together for just over a year, returned home with four festival awards. Their song 'Šapni joj more' won the second prize from the expert jury, and they also received recognition for the songwriting components-music, lyrics, and arrangement.
Although they are a relatively new name on the klapa scene, the members of Peristil are no musical novices. They honed their skills singing in well-known Dalmatian klapas such as Šufit, Cambi, and Sv. Florijan. First tenor Darko Pastar emphasizes that friendship is the very foundation of their group.
"This klapa exists out of friendship; that's why we came together. And we're especially pleased that our baritone, Krešimir Grgić, composed the music for 'Šapni joj more'"
Pastar told DalmacijaDanas.
Pastar particularly highlighted the young lyricist Luka Goreta, expressing hope that this success will serve as a strong incentive for his future work.
"I must mention Luka. I hope this whole story gives him extra motivation to keep writing"
Pastar added.
The song 'Šapni joj more' hasn't been confined to the festival stage. A music video, directed by Toni Banov and Tino Bilandžić, has already been shot. The female lead in the video is Pastar's wife, Josipa, but the story takes a typically Dalmatian turn.
"But since I'm not the main actor, I had to 'lend' her to my friend and tenor Petar Botica! Ah, no matter-it all stayed in the klapa"
Pastar said with a laugh, confirming the relaxed spirit that defines the group.
The competition at the festival was fierce-among the 25 performers were some of the biggest names in Croatian music. Ibrica Jusić performed, as did 90-year-old Hrvoje Hegedušić, who presented the song 'U po bota' and proved that age is no barrier to new musical challenges. The festival's Grand Prix went to the group Newera with 'Nigdi mira nemam', while the first prize from the expert jury was awarded to Neno Papić for his performance of 'Ča je čovik'.
Thus, after just over a year of singing together, Klapa Peristil has already claimed its first festival trophy, and this Split friendship has blossomed into a serious klapa story that is only just beginning.
