Classical works, easy-listening music, folk and pop songs thrilled hundreds of spectators at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM on November 22, 2007. Music and songs sung by Gianni Stipanicev (tenor) and Barbara Othman (soprano) accompanied by the Croatian Radio and Television Tamburitza Orchestra was brought here by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatian and SGM.
A tamburitza is a kind of Croatian traditional instrument similar to a small-sized guitar, a Russian balalaika or Italian mandolin. It was thought to have originated from the Turks or Persians, gaining popularity during several nationalist movements against the Austro-Hungarian empire. The Croatian Radio and Television Tamburitza Orchestra is one of the most prominent professional ensembles that has been representing the Croatian Folk Music in Radio and Television program since 1941. An orchestra with tamburitzas of varying sizes was able to play an amazing array of music including the delightful Merry Go Round and Pink Panther. The song “Sole Mio” rendered by Gianni Stipanicev was particularly enthralling.
