Three days of fun in Križevci: Evenings of Percussion gather top musicians from Croatia and the region

Križevci, Croatia, is set to transform into a hub for percussion enthusiasts, young musicians, and renowned performers during the 16th "Evenings of Percussion" (VUK) festival. Scheduled from September 4 to 6, 2026, the event promises a dynamic blend of concerts, workshops, a professional forum, a music quiz, and entertainment, with all activities open to the public free of charge.

Organized by the Albert Štriga Music School Križevci and the P.O.I.N.T. Association, VUK has for sixteen years showcased the vibrant world of percussion, bridging generations and educational levels. This year's festival opens with a concert titled "Percussion Collage" by the Zagreb Philharmonic Percussion Trio, featuring acclaimed musicians Renato Palatinuš, Rupert Čunko, and Fran Krsto Šercar. This ensemble, noted for its precision and artistic curiosity, is rapidly becoming a highlight on the percussion scene.

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This year's festival opens with a concert titled "Percussion Collage" by the Percussion Trio of the Zagreb Philharmonic, which includes acclaimed percussionists Renato Palatinuš, Rupert Čunko, and Fran Krsto Šercar. This ensemble, formed relatively recently, has already achieved a series of notable performances and is a new hit on the percussion scene. The Percussion Trio of the Zagreb Philharmonic cultivates precision, collective expression, and artistic curiosity, striving to bring the diversity and breadth of percussion expression closer to the audience.

The festival will also embrace international collaboration, with students from the Ljubljana Music Academy in Slovenia, under Professor Simon Klavžar, performing on Saturday. Musicians from the Isidor Bajić Music School in Novi Sad, Serbia, led by Professor Darko Karlečik, will join local artists from the Albert Štrige Music School for a joint concert on Sunday, celebrating future percussion masters.

Beyond the musical performances, VUK offers engaging workshops. Professor Gordana Šuštić from Zagreb will lead a session on "Overcoming Stage Fright," while Professor Darko Karlečik will conduct a workshop on snare drum rudiments. The evenings will also include a music quiz with prizes and a "zVUK around the world" party, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all attendees. The festival concludes with an afterparty for students and parents, inviting all rhythm lovers to enjoy percussion performances.

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Professor Simon Klavžar is one of the most eminent musicians and music educators on percussion in the region and Europe, so it will be a special honor for the people of Križevci and the rest of the audience to hear the performances of his students.