Katalena

Vesna Zornik, lead vocals, backing vocals; Polona Janežič, piano, keys, backing vocals; Jelena Ždrale, violin, viola, backing vocals; Boštjan Gombač: clarinet, sax, flutes, trumpet, backing vocals; Tibor Mihelič Syed: bass guitar, gimbri, ukulele, guitar, backing vocals; Boštjan Narat: guitar, backing vocals; Robert Rebolj: drums, percussion

Marking their 25th anniversary, Katalena released their tenth album, Meja (Border), in the spring of 2026. On the one hand, the album is a musical travelogue of the band's fictional journey along Slovenia’s western border, and on the other, a reflection on the concept of border and its concrete and symbolic meanings. The anniversary is also their cue to hit the road and play some gigs – Katalena’s celebrations will be held in the company of their fans, the loyal following they have built over the years. The musicians have played virtually every club, concert hall, and festival stage in the country, and toured extensively abroad. A long-lived band, Katalena has not changed a single member in all these years, but recently expanded the line-up with violinist Jelena Ždrale. It's time for a new "round."

The climax of this live-music tour will take place in CD’s Gallus Hall on 1 October 2026. Cankarjev dom will provide the venue for the new album launch and, most importantly, the celebrations of the band’s silver jubilee. A quarter of a century is no small feat, and the Katalena’s October festivities will fit the bill.

The Ljubljana-based musicians play Slovenian folk music, remaining faithful to the basic principles of their music-making – exploring tradition, engaging in dialogue with the past, and creating original music with the aim of bridging the past and the present. A music-making laced with playfulness, as well as infectious rhythms and melodies. Katalena's 2026 will be just like that, playful and infectious. 

At the album launch, Katalena will be joined on stage by the singer-songwriter Rudi Bučar, a featured artist on the album Meja.


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