The Croatian Tamburica Orchestra

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The CROATIAN TAMBURICA ORCHESTRA
REDPATH




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THE native musical instrument of Croatia, said to have been practically unknown to the outside world until the latter part of the Nineteenth Century, is at present meeting with great favor in America.  This instrument is known as the tamburica.  But of equal interest with the instrument itself are the players, six in all, who comprise The Croatian Tamburica Orchestra, appearing in the bright and novel dress of their native land, playing with all their native enthusiasm, as well as technique.  This company has already been in America three years and its reception has been most cordial.

The Croatian Tamburica Orchestra appeared at the Paris Exposition and filled other most notable engagements in the Old World before coming to this country.

Croatia, their native land, is a small country near Servia and just south of Austria.  During the program of the orchestra, Mr. Savich, the manager, tells something of the people and also their odd musical instruments.  Vocal solos by one of the number with orchestra accompaniment will also be a feature.

On the tamburica, the Croatians play Balkan melodies, selections from the operas and American songs.  The instrument itself is similar to a mandolin, banjo and guitar, but different from all.  It produces more life and sweetness of tone and is especially adapted to orchestra work.

The range of music is almost limitless.  The volume of music produced by these six players is equal to that of an orchestra a third larger using the usual stringed instruments.

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FOUR TYPICAL COMMENTS

Times-Tribune, WATERLOO, IOWA
The concert last night was rendered by the Croatian Tamburica Orchestra.  This orchestra is made up entirely of men playing upon different sized tamburicas, the native instrument of Croatia.  The audience enjoyed one of the musical treats of the season.  In the afternoon they played Balkan melodies, selections from the opera Lucia de Lammermoor, and American songs.  As encores they played a little 'rag time.'
These men were discovered by Americans when they were playing at the Paris Exposition and since that time they have played all over the United States.  The company appearing in Waterloo is the only company on this side of the Atlantic, altho many companies are now touring Germany and England.



Daily Commercial, THREE RIVERS, MICH.
The concluding number of the Chautauqua was furnished by the Croatian Tamburica Orchestra and was very entertaining. .  The range of music played by these people is almost limitless.  They go from classical to the popular, and from the simplest compositions to the most intricate of native music.

Dr. D. F. Fox, PASADENA, CAL.

It is a pleasure to speak of the fine musical work of the Croatian Tamburica Orchestra.  They themselves, with their instruments, present something new.  Their music is infinitely sweet, their program nicely varied and withal, their entire program one that will delight and inspire any audience.  I count those people exceedingly fortunate who have the privilege of hearing them.


The Dr. James Hedley
The Croatian Orchestra, a company of refined young gentlemen, were associated with me, in the Mid-West Chautauquas during the summer of 1913.  They play upon Tamburicas, the stringed instruments of their native country.  The music is extraordinary, not only in exquisite sweetness but in thrilling power.  Classical and popular selections are rendered with wonderful beauty and effect.  Encore after encore greets these performers.  Their concert, both instrumental and vocal, is unique, and the only thing of its kind in America.  It is a great pleasure to me to commend them, without reserve, to all managers and patrons of the Lyceum and Chautauqua.