Veja

Running time: 70 min

Goran Farkaš, vocal, tradicional instruments; Marko Pernić, accordion; Marijan Jelenić, guitar; Sebastijan Demark, bass; Endi Oblak, percussion

A folk music gem from the heart of Istria. These are some of the plaudits the Croatian media are heaping on Veja, the music group formed in Pazin almost two decades ago. Back then, Goran Farkaš, singer, multi-instrumentalist, musicologist and avid researcher of folk traditions, recruited a group of musicians to put theory into practice.

Veja’s original compositions reflect a wide variety of musical influences and elements that have come to define Istria as a result of its geographical location. The diverse musical styles, from Dinaric to Italian tunes, as well as more obscure traditions, legends, tales and sagas, represent the sonic amalgamation of Istria that has become Veja's hallmark. Incidentally, Veja take their name from a ritual wake.

Their 2014 debut album, Dolina mlinova, was released after a lengthy period of polishing up their act and selecting the best songs. The tracks Anka, Marija and Črni orko were instant hits and went on to occupy a special place on the Croatian music scene. Above all, the debut album raised Veja’s visibility, opening the door to local and international venues. Veja sold out clubs across Croatia, and played folk festivals in Italy, France, Estonia, Belgium, Portugal, etc. The highly anticipated second album, the vinyl LP Škura ura, was released on the Menart label in 2022. Even before the pandemic, it was heralded by the first single Teško majki, which justified and solidified Veja's growing reputation as a band masterfully navigating Istria’s traditional musical heritage and using a modern approach to reach new generations.

Their debut CD Club performance will feature Veja’s biggest hits, as well as the tracks from their upcoming third album, scheduled for release later this year.


The Cankarjevi torki concerts are available at a discounted price as part of the AD HOC subscription series.