MODERN DEBUT OF MADRIGAL WORK OPENS VARAZDIN BAROQUE EVENT

( Editorial: --> 1825 ) VARAZDIN, Sept 21 (Hina) - The first contemporary madrigal performance of a 16th century secular vocal piece by renown Croatian composer Julij Skjavetic opened the 28th Varazdin Baroque Nights festival on Sunday night. This leading musical event, which continues until October 5, is being held under the patronage of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. The event was officially opened by the President's envoy, the Croatian National Parliament's Science, Culture and Education Committee chairman Nedjeljko Mihanovic. Also addressing the opening at Varazdin's Croatian National Theatre were Varazdin Baroque Nights director maestro Vladimir Kranjcevic and Varazdin Mayor Hrvoje Vojvoda. Other official guests included political, religious and military officials. "In the series of extraordinary artistic manifestations from Dubrovnik, Split, Osor and Pula, undoubtedly the Varazdin Baroque Nights are an exceptional and magisterial artistic musical event in Croatia's cultural happenings," Mihanovic said. He wished the concert ensemble, choirs, leading soloists and conductors great success. The madrigal composition, for four or five voices and written in 1563, was performed by Slovenia's Komorni Zbor (Chamber Choir) under the direction of Kranjcevic, while the transcription of and small additions to Skjavetic's work were done by Lovro Zupanovic. After the ceremonial performance there was a CD launch of the madrigal work of this author, produced by the Musical Information Centre of Koncertne direkcije Zagreb. During the renown baroque festival there will be 19 concerts in the northern Croatian town of Varazdin and nearby settlements of Varazdinske Toplice, Ludbreg and Marusevac. Also performing during in the event will be the Varazdin Chamber Orchestra, the Zagreb Philharmonia, the Festival Vocal Ensemble, Jurica Murai, the Zagreb Guitar Quartet, the Zagreb Soloists, the Classical Music Ensemble from Berlin's Musicalische Compagney and others. At the end of the festival, like at every year, there will be a presentation of the traditional Ivan Lukacic awards. (Hina) mbr 211339 MET sep 98