Sounds of Dalmatia

Klapa (a capella) singing workshop

The klapa singing workshop organized by Manifesta has proven to be a very successful program, especially when a group comprises team members or coworkers.

The Idea

Music transmits special energy. Even more when it involves pure voices, without the background of musical instruments, harmonized and thrilling as it is during “klapa” performance, then it is a special emotional treat.

However, when you get a unique chance to join the klapa singers and try it out yourselves, then it is a whole other dimension.

About the Workshop

The workshop comprises getting to know the destination and klapa songs with original performers, designing and leading team preparations in acoustic and picturesque locations, and the final performance at the end of the program.

This kind of experience is a mixture of sightseeing and singing. The team gets divided into a few groups that are then guided through the most iconic parts of the old town with stops for learning and singing their part of Klapa song with their Klapa mentor. The special moment comes at the very end when all end at an astonishing location.

The klapa songs featured in the program are specially prepared in collaboration with renowned klapa singers. The songs symbolize Dalmatia, its tradition and lifestyle, so they actually become a learning background where the participants enjoy the process of learning, socializing, meaningfully interacting through this activity, and finally connecting on a new level.

The picturesque locations featured in the program are also carefully chosen because the resonating background needs to be just perfect, as well as the city as an impressive and original visual backdrop. These two components make this tour a complete experience.

At the end of this musical journey comes an ultimate secret location in the historic city core where the team gets to shine together.
The team members are enriched by an experience of intense connection and collaboration while performing together the songs they have learned. This final event is the grand finale of the program that fosters support, interaction and mutual growth through acquiring the skill to exercise such an inspiring and meaningful activity as klapa singing.

About Klapa singing

Klapa singing belongs to the ancient traditions of the Croatian Southern regions of Dalmatia. In 2012 is has been included in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Dating to the late medieval era of the ancient Dalmatian brotherhoods, klapa singing features multipart singing, a cappella singing, oral tradition and simple music composing.

Traditionally, the singers form a semicircle and sing close together to achieve blended voice tones. The topics of love, family, local way of life in the land and at the sea are evoked by the songs.

Klapa singing is also a traditional landmark of Dalmatia, it has been incorporated into festivities, gatherings and overall local identity, so today it is very carefully preserved and cherished with respect. Šibenik’s klapa singers have been among the most active and awarded in Croatia. Therefore, Šibenik is the right place to come to learn about this marvelous traditional skill that fosters respect, creativity and communication – all the traits we always somehow seem to lack in today’s world. Being humane and devoted to one another is never too much.