Posts: Arts Journal

Instruments You Will Hear at Dubrovnik's Concerts and Festivals

Dubrovnik's musical life draws on centuries of Mediterranean, Central European and Dalmatian traditions, so a single summer evening can move from a string quartet in a Renaissance courtyard to folk singing on a stone square. Knowing which instruments to listen for makes any concert in the old town more rewarding.

Classical ensembles in historic settings

Much of the city's classical programming, especially during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, takes place outdoors or in palace courtyards and churches. Strings dominate here: violins, violas, cellos and double basses carry well against stone walls, and chamber groups suit the intimate scale of these spaces. Piano recitals, organ music in churches and solo guitar also feature regularly. Acoustics outdoors differ from a concert hall, so sitting closer to the performers often pays off.

Traditional Croatian sounds

Folk performances introduce instruments rarely heard elsewhere. The lijerica, a small three-stringed bowed instrument played upright on the knee, is closely associated with the Dubrovnik area and accompanies the lively linđo dance. The tamburica, a family of plucked, mandolin-like instruments, is widespread across Croatia. You may also hear klapa singing, a cappella vocal harmony from Dalmatia that treats the human voice as the instrument itself and is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Tips for listeners

• Check programmes in advance, as line-ups and venues change from season to season.
• Outdoor concerts can be affected by wind and weather, so bring a light layer for the evening.
• Arrive early for unreserved seating in smaller courtyards.

For upcoming performances, browse our events guide, and see where to watch for an overview of the city's performance spaces.