Prominent Female Musicians from Istria

Istria, a Croatian region situated at the intersection of Mediterranean cultures, has produced numerous outstanding women who have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, literature, theater, politics, activism, and more. In this text, we will briefly outline the achievements of several well-known living Istrian women who have enriched us with their work and talent in the sphere of musical arts.

Lidija Percan, born in Rakalj in 1937, is a Croatian singer known for singing in Croatian and Italian. Throughout her career, she has released numerous albums showcasing her distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. She has collaborated with the biggest names in contemporary Croatian music, often orienting her music towards tradition, language, and themes related to Istria and the Adriatic coast.

Radojka Šverko, born in Pazin in 1948, is a renowned Croatian singer known for her powerful and emotional voice. She is also notable for not confining her career within her homeland’s borders but achieving significant success at international festivals. Among her exceptional performances in recent decades, her collaboration with the London Gay Symphony Orchestra stands out, where she performed the famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to promote tolerance, as well as her performance at the inauguration of Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, where she sang her hit “Ljubim te do bola” (“I Love You to Pain”). Besides music, she has been actively involved in acting, appearing in theater and film. Her performances, characterized by intensity and emotional depth, have left an indelible mark on the Croatian music scene, solidifying her status as one of the favorite singers in the country.

Alka Vuica, born in Pula in 1961, is a Croatian singer-songwriter. With her deep voice and poetic lyrics focusing on love and women’s themes, Vuica has become one of the significant figures in contemporary Croatian music. Her career spans several decades during which she has released numerous albums, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. In addition to her own musical achievements, Vuica is perhaps best known as a lyricist for other singers, notably for Josipa Lisac, for whom she has written some of her biggest hits.

Tamara Obrovac, born in Pula in 1962, is the most famous and highly regarded Croatian jazz singer, composer, and flutist. Known for her innovative fusion of jazz and traditional Istrian music, Obrovac has gained international recognition for her unique sound and artistic vision. She has released numerous albums, collaborating with diverse musicians from around the world. Her music transcends cultural boundaries, celebrating Istria’s rich heritage while embracing the universal language of jazz. Her captivating performances have won over audiences at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, solidifying her status as one of Croatia’s most esteemed musical ambassadors.

Martina Tomčić-Moskaljov, born in Umag in 1975, is a Croatian opera singer, mezzo-soprano. She performs in numerous theaters throughout Croatia and the world and is also involved in music education. Alongside her opera career, she is known as a judge on television singing competitions, further establishing herself as a prominent figure in Croatian media.

Elis Lovrić, born in Pula in 1985, is a younger-generation Croatian singer. Her deep connection to Istrian roots is evident in her lyrics written in dialect, specifically the Labin dialect.

These are just a few of the many talented Istrian female musicians, from whom we will hear much more in the coming decades. If you venture to Istria to listen to the performances of young Istrian musical talents, find the best accommodation in the region on the Molo Longo agency’s website.