See You Beyond the Horizon

See You Beyond the Horizon

Afro-Cuban fever from the Adriatic hinterland

The fever of Afro-Cuban rhythms from the fiery fingers of local Bend-it! Orchestra promises to sweep up Istria from its free-spirited yet down-to-earth lyricism. 

The Istrian big band Bend-it! Orchestra, conducted by Primož Štefančič, will create the perfect atmosphere for dancing on Manzioli Square and take the audience beyond the horizon to the South America.

This lively big band began in 2018, when the well-known saxophonist Lovro Ravbar took over leadership, later passing the conductor’s baton to his successor and current leader, Primož Štefančič.

The members of Bend-it! Orchestra include both professional musicians and those still in training, enabling the exchange of knowledge and energy that musicians experience while making music. It is precisely this energy and their evident love of playing together that delight their audiences, who tirelessly support the band. At the festival, the singer Anja Kutoš will be performing alongside Bend-it!

Although active for only a relatively short time, Bend-it! does not confine itself to a single genre. While performing big band classics, the ensemble also creates original music and arrangements, moving towards the invention of a distinctive and unique sound.

With vibrant Latin rhythms, the big band will also warmly invite you to MareziJazz, the largest international big band festival in Europe. Organised each year by the Mladinsko društvo Marezige (Marezige Youth Association), with which the band is affiliated, this year’s festival will take place from 10 to 12 July in Marezige.