BIG Fest 2024: Musical magic in Jurandvor

Another edition of the Baška International Guitar Festival is behind us, which, despite the weather challenges, shone in its full glory. Although due to unstable weather conditions we had to postpone the last concert evening for next year, this did not diminish the success and beauty of this year's festival.

This year, the festival included all parts of the St. Lucy in Jurandvor, which turned out to be a complete hit! The location was attractive and enchanting, providing the perfect setting for music, art and socializing. Concerts on the stage next to the church of St. Lucy, the exhibition in the Refectory and the rich program on the lower level of the complex — including film screenings, workshops and concerts — delighted the visitors. The ambiance of the entire complex, highlighted by idyllic lighting and romantic decoration, created an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

The first night of the festival was opened by American musician Dik Banovich, who is celebrating 50 years of career this year. His sound, imbued with the influences of the Mississippi Delta, Chicago blues and ragtime, resonated in Jurandvor and delighted everyone present. Next on stage was Peppino D'Agostino, one of the most significant names in the world of acoustic fingerstyle guitar, whose emotional performance was further enriched by surprising performances of famous Italian songs.

After the main concerts, the audience for the first time had the opportunity to continue enjoying musical treats and an excellent after program on the lower level of the complex, where the duo Igor Leonardi and Ana Vipotnik from Slovenia enchanted everyone with their diverse repertoire. Their combination of Portuguese fado, Slovenian traditional music and jazz standards fit perfectly into the magical atmosphere of St. Lucius.

The second evening of the festival was dedicated to Croatian musicians. Mate Matišić Quartet delighted the audience with its sophisticated performance, while Bruno Mičetić, despite the rain that interrupted the concert, managed to turn the challenge into an unforgettable moment. He invited the audience to the Refectory, where he continued his performance in an intimate atmosphere, providing the audience with an unforgettable musical experience, which ended with several encores.

After Mičetić's performance, there was a promotion of Damir Halilić Hal's video album called "6&12 (bonus 9)", which will be released before Christmas. A collection of video clips was premiered, including the composition "Méditerranée Mystique", inspired by the Bašćan mrgars, which also inspired the artist Nikša Čorić to set up an exhibition on the subject in the Refectory.

We sincerely thank all performers, visitors, and our partners for their support. We are especially proud that this year the festival was supported and completed by producers of premium drinks awarded at international competitions — KuSshh with its top-quality gin, brandies and liqueurs, and Katunar Estate Winery with its exceptional wines.

We invite you to join us next year at the Baška International Guitar Festival, which will be held at the same time, in the same place, August 17-19, 2025, with even more music, art and unforgettable moments!< /p>