About the Project

Joyous Nativity: A Croatian Cantata is a unique project that has already received national attention. With the large pool of performers of Croatian music in the Pacific Northwest, this is one of the few places in America that could tackle the musical challenge of Tomislav Uhlik's transcendent work, master the difficult Croatian language, and the nuances of traditional styling and vocal placement. The sound of a 50-voice Croatian choir and 20-piece tamburica orchestra has never before been heard in the Northwest. Their vibrant music will soar into the sanctuary arches.

Richard March, Folk and Community Arts Specialist at the Wisconsin Arts Board writes, "The project will set a higher standard for performance skills and repertoire in the realm of ethnic choral music in the United States. The performances planned in this project merit support themselves, but it also seems likely that the Seattle ensemble will be called on in the future to perform Narodil se Mladi Kralj in ethnic and non-ethnic venues throughout the country."

Bernard M. Luketich, National President of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America writes, "We are pleased to endorse the "Narodil se Mladi Kralj" project to be presented by the coalition of Croatian groups in Seattle... there is no doubt this project will be well-received and appreciated by all those who will have the opportunity to attend the program... We congratulate the coalition of Croatian organizations in Seattle for undertaking the responsibility of this cultural presentation and wish them well in their endeavors to showcase this beautiful Croatian musical piece."

Croatians and non-Croatians involved in the production agree that the project goes beyond just the musical plane. It reaches into the very soul of our communities. Richard L. Major, Secretary of Seattle Lodge 439 of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America writes, "It will appeal to all elements of our Croatian population, provide opportunity for many to work together and to rejoice together. In so doing it will result in a stronger Croatian community - one that will continue to add to the Seattle mosaic for a long time to come - even perhaps for another 90 years."

The three communities involved (Seattle, Anacortes and Vancouver B.C.) have worked together for months in rehearsal and organization to develop a concert full of delight. The concerts will open in darkness with only candle light to illuminate the performers as they process in traditional Croatian costume to dramatic organ music. Children from Seattle, Anacortes and Vancouver BC will demonstrate Koleda (Christmas) seasonal rituals. The audience will join our ensemble in singing a number of Croatian carols sure to warm the heart. Add dramatic sacred solos, lantern processional, bagpipe music and the beautiful venues, and you get an unforgettable musical and spiritual experience.

The enthusiasm this project has generated from the initial decision to mount the production has been phenomenal. Local and national experts in the field of fund raising, concert production and promotion have stepped forward to offer advice and support. Ethnic Heritage Council and Northwest Folklife offered to act as sponsors. The King County Arts Commission is supporting the Seattle production with funding.

A SHORT HISTORY

The Pacific Northwest has a strong history of performance in the genre of music and dance from East European cultures, performed both by people of Croatian and non-Croatian heritage.

Croatians began to settle here at the end of the 19th century during the Alaskan Gold Rush to work the dangerous jobs in the fishing, logging and coal mining industries. As the community grew and prospered, unified by the Croatian Fraternal Union, they formed the Seattle Junior Tamburitans. That group has been the pride of their community, representing the Pacific Northwest on tour and in competitions through the U.S., Canada and Eastern European. In the 1970's, the semi-professional Vela Luka Ensemble was formed in Anacortes by immigrants and descendants of people from the Adriatic coast.

Since the late 1960's, many performing groups have been founded in North America by people who are not ethnically connected to Eastern Europe, but who have carefully studied and are passionate about those cultures. Seattle has been one of the primary centers for such groups which include Koleda, Radost, Ruzice Folk Choir, Sedyanka Balkan Women's Choir, Vecerinka and many more. A true treasure of ensembles and performers.

Joyous Nativity: A Croatian Cantata is a means to link and strengthen the relationships between the many groups and individuals whose lives have been enriched by the music and culture of Croatia in the Pacific Northwest.