Mostar Sevdah Reunion (Bosnia and Hertsegovina) – Savoy WORLD

The Bosnian band Mostar Sevdag Reunion has established itself as nothing short of an institution in the Balkans. The ensemble’s interpretations of traditional Sevdah music tie together an entire world of musical expression drawing influences from a wealth of sources ranging from flamenco, fado and rebetiko to salsa, blues and funk.

Sevdah, however, forms the foundation of Mostar Sevdah Reunion’s music. In addition to being a traditional genre of Slavic music, Sevdah also refers to a way of being and living in a world that is rife with all manner of emotions. The painfully melancholy and powerful Sevdah singing provides an experience that is sure to make your heart swell. The music is mostly ancient and often despairingly sad but interpreted through gentle compassion.

The band was established in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina The group of musicians used to meet up and play in candle-lit basements during the city’s siege in the early 1990s as a form of protest or, more pressingly, a survival strategy. After the war the musicians assembled a band around traditional Sevdah and have since released more than ten albums, performing around the world.

Over the years, there have been some changes to the line-up as important contributors such as Šaban Bajramović and Esma Redžepova are no longer with us. Still, their legacy has survived and is being cherished with great appreciation.. Of the current members, Sandi Duraković and Milić Petrović were already with the original band in the 1990s.

Mostar Sevdah Reunion is a wonderful blend of first-rate musicianship and immense musical diversity. The group’s new album Lady Sings the Balkan Blues has been a staple high up on the World Music Charts Europe chart for the early 2023, also staking a claim to the top spot. During the concert, the band will serve up an expansive musical experience that will stay with you for years to come.

The concert is part of the Etnosoi! 2023 festival programme.

Ensemble:
Antonija Batinić – vocals
Ivan Radoja “Vanja” – violin and background vocals
Milić Petrović “Mišo” – guitar and background vocals
Sandi Duraković – guitar and background vocals
Gabrijel Prusina – piano and keyboards
Marko Jakovljević – bass and background vocals
Senad Trnovac – drums

Duration approx. 2 h, including intermission

The stalls form a designated alcohol serving area for adults age 18 and older. The balcony is for people of all ages, no alcohol served.

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The Savoy WORLD season ticket is the most affordable way to experience the highlights of the autumn season!

Savoy WORLD is a concert series produced by Savoy Theatre, which introduces audiences to a diverse range of music from all over the world. In the autumn of 2023, the concerts will feature the Mexican star songstress Lila Downs, the Bosnian traditional band Mostar Sevdah Reunion and a third incredible act, which will be announced during the spring.

Buy a Savoy WORLD season ticket now at a Blind Bird price of €125.

Season ticket concerts:

Lila Downs (Mexico) Sun 10 September at 6 pm.

The wildly popular, Grammy award-winning Mexican artist Lila Downs grew up influenced by two cultures in the U.S. state of Minnesota and in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The multicultural background is clearly present in her music, which features echoes of Mexican rancheras, boleros, jazz standards, hip hop and North American folk. Downs sings her songs in Spanish and English, but also uses a variety of Native American languages, such as Zapotec, Mixtec and Tarascan. The incomparable star who has performed at the White House and the Oscar Gala can now be heard in Finland for the first time.

Duration approx. 1½ h, no intermission.

Mostar Sevdah Reunion (Bosnia and Hertsegovina) Thu 9 November, 7 pm

The Bosnian band Mostar Sevdag Reunion has established itself as nothing short of an institution in the Balkans. The ensemble’s interpretations of traditional Sevdah music tie together an entire world of musical expression drawing influences from a wealth of sources ranging from flamenco, fado and rebetiko to salsa, blues and funk.
Sevdah, however, forms the foundation of Mostar Sevdah Reunion’s music. The painfully melancholy and powerful Sevdah singing provides an experience that is sure to make your heart swell. The music is mostly ancient and often des