Ensemble Illyrica is a chamber ensemble based in Croatia and Austria, performing a wide range of repertoire including classical works, folk-inspired music, and genre-crossing commissioned pieces. The group also collaborates on multidisciplinary projects with performers and visual artists. Listed as one of “Croatia’s most exciting experimental bands” (Timeout.com), Illyrica is dedicated to bringing new music to a broad audience, often performing in small villages and unconventional classical music venues.

Praised for their “creative ecstasy, freshness, tonal harmony, and rhythmic clarity” (Novi List), Illyrica has performed at major venues and festivals across Austria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. Highlights include appearances at the Wiener Musikverein, Kultursommer Wien, Festival Arsana, Lednice-Valtice Festival, Zagreb Biennale, Scena Amadeo, Summer Magic in the Diocletian, and the Hvar Summer Festival. In 2023, the ensemble made its Irish debut with a concert in Dublin, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of the Republic of Croatia.

Illyrica released its debut album, Ensemble Illyrica, on Hitchtone Music in 2022. Their second album, due in 2026, will feature new music written and arranged for the ensemble by Lana Janjanin (Croatia), David Crowell (USA), Mak Murtić (Croatia), and Joel Hoffman (USA). In the upcoming season, the ensemble will also premiere a new work by composer Margareta Ferek-Petrić (Croatia).

Zvizde mi kažu arranged by Ensemble Illyrica

Illyrica ends their program in Brežice Castle (SLO) with a heartfelt Croatian folksong.

Nika Bauman, Hiwote Tadesse, Iva Casian Lakoš- voices

Marko Ferlan - classical guitar, voice