Croatia's Acclaimed Folk Dance Ensemble
to Perform in North America
The LADO ensemble will be making its first appearance in the U.S. since 1992, when its critically acclaimed performances epitomized the joy of the newly independent nation, and the pride of a people determined to keep that independence.
“We very much look forward to returning to the U.S.,” said LADO's artistic director, Ivan Ivančan, who was director of choreography during the group's previous visit. “We will never forget the welcome we received in America, and our members are primed to deliver an even more exciting and moving show this fall.”
LADO's fall tour of the U.S. and Canada is the climax of the 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of the ensemble. Eleven performances are scheduled in eight cities, full-production concerts and choral concerts combined.
This brilliant company of dancers, singers, and musicians bring centuries of tradition to life, in swirling, spectacular performances—a vivid “living museum” that features more than 1200 costumes, some more than 100 years old.
“There is nothing more moving. An image of pure style and class” (The New York Times)
The mission of LADO—the name comes from the ancient Slavic lyric for compassion and generosity—goes well beyond performing dances that have been central to Croatian culture for generations. Since its beginning in the aftermath of World War II, the ensemble has been dedicated to researching and preserving Croatia's folk music and choreography, and to preserving folk instruments and more than 1,200 costumes, many of the latter dating back a century or more.
“Thus LADO is really a living museum,” said Mr. Ivančan.
Just as the dancers and musicians come from every region of Croatia— from Istria and Pannonia to the Dalmatian coast and Adriatic islands—so do the instruments and distinctive costumes.
Based in Zagreb, Croatia's charming Old World capital, LADO is supported by the Ministry of Culture and, on this tour, by the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Tourist Board of the city of Zagreb, CROATA and Croatian Radio-Television.
The 48 dancer/singers and musicians will perform on:
Washington, DC: Friday, Oct. 9, Strathmore Theater (full-production concert); Saturday, Oct. 10, Strathmore Theater (2nd full-production concert).
New York: Tuesday, Oct. 13, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (choral-group concert) Wednesday, Oct. 14, Rose Theater (full-production concert).
Pittsburgh: Sunday, Oct. 18, Byham Theatre (full-production concert).
Cleveland: Tuesday, Oct. 20, Playhouse Theatre (full-production concert).
Chicago: Wednesday, Oct. 21, Harris Theater for Dance and Music (full-production concert); Thursday, Oct. 22, St. Jerome Croatian Church (choral-group concert).
Montreal: Sunday, Oct. 25, Place des Arts (full-production concert).
Ottawa: Monday, Oct. 26, Centerpointe Theatre, (full-production concert).
Toronto: Friday, Oct. 30, Roy Thomson Hall (full-production concert).
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St. Patrick Cathedral, New York City, USA October 13, 2009
Formatted for CROWN by Marko Puljić
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