Lisinski hosts annual tribute to one of Croatia's most significant musicians

Zagreb's Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall will host "Matija Dedić - Jazz Portrait" on June 7, marking the first anniversary of the death of one of Croatia's most significant jazz musicians.

Matija Dedić passed away unexpectedly last year, leaving a void that still feels surreal to those who knew him personally and to the public. However, his legacy is deemed worthy of regular remembrance, a tribute his father did not receive. The program is spearheaded by individuals who knew Dedić best and collaborated with him for decades.

Tamara Obrovac, the artistic director of the project, began her musical journey with Dedić shortly after his return from jazz academy studies in Graz. She recalled his exceptional musical capacity even in his youth, noting his mature performance on her first album, 'Ulika,' which fused Istrian influences with jazz. She highlighted the rhythm section, drummer Krunoslav Levačić and bassist Žiga Golob, as consistent collaborators since her early career.

This year's tribute will feature members of Dedić's trio, Levačić and Golob, alongside Vasil Hadžimanov, a colleague and childhood friend with whom Dedić shared a notable concert in 2018. The organizers aim to present Dedić's musical heritage authentically through his long-term associates and friends, distinguishing their efforts from those who might exploit his family name for commercial gain. The program focuses on Dedić's core artistic identity, particularly his piano albums and work with his trio and the Boilers band, rather than commercial projects that capitalize on the legacy of his family.

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Regarding authenticity, it's hard to judge oneself, but I'll give the example of Matija Dedić, who joined the band right after graduating, and from the very first notes, it was clear what a musical capacity he was. On the CD 'Ulika,' where I first truly articulated the fusion of Istria and jazz, he played with incredible maturity for such a young man. The same applies to drummer Krunoslav Levačić and Žiga Golob, the rhythm section that has accompanied me from the very beginning to this day.