SECTIONS
Dance section
The Dance Section is the heart and backbone of the folkloric work of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” and comprises three dance groups.
Overview
The rehearsal and performance of traditional dances form the foundation of the Society’s folkloric activities.
The section rehearses and performs traditional Konavle dances such as Potkolo, Poskočica, Čičak, Marica, Denči, and Cigančica. Although these dances belong to the Dinaric dance zone, most are characterised by a distinctive Mediterranean rhythm and style, with the exception of Potkolo — the oldest Konavle dance performed in an open circle, which shows similarities to Macedonian dances.
The work of the Dance Section is rooted in the rich and long-standing dance tradition of Pridvorje. This tradition was continued through the formalisation of folkloric activity within the Society, transforming dance from everyday entertainment into organised folkloric practice.
For many years, the section was led by one of the Society’s founders, Stjepan Marinović, until his passing, after which leadership was assumed by senior members. Since 2021, the section has been led by Mateo Čanić, an experienced dancer and veteran of FA Linđo.
Mateo Čanić
Mateo Čanić
Dance Section Leader
Under Mateo’s leadership, the Society has successfully performed at numerous folklore festivals and events in Croatia and throughout Europe. His passion is the preservation of folk traditions through creativity, precision, and the joy of movement.
Mateo Čanić has been leading all age groups of the Dance Section of our Society since 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience as a performer and choreographer.
During his distinguished career, he has collaborated with numerous choreographers and folklore ensembles, taken part in dance, instrumental, and vocal workshops, and led school-based and children’s folklore groups.
He is the author of the folklore project Linđovo blago (2011–2014) and has realised numerous national and international collaborations in choreographic production. Since 2016, he has been the Artistic Director of KUD “Marko Marojica” from Župa dubrovačka, and since 2024, he has also led the children’s folklore section at Župa dubrovačka Primary School.
Groups
The dance section consists of three age groups
Children’s group
Brings together children from the 1st to the 5th grade of primary school.
Junior group
Brings together children from the 5th to the 8th grade of primary school.
Senior group
Brings together young men and women from the 1st year of secondary school onwards.
Dance Section
The Dance Section is the heart and backbone of the folkloric work of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” and comprises three dance groups.
The rehearsal and performance of traditional dances form the foundation of the Society’s folkloric activities.
The section rehearses and performs traditional Konavle dances such as Potkolo, Poskočica, Čičak, Marica, Denči, and Cigančica. Although these dances belong to the Dinaric dance zone, most are characterised by a distinctive Mediterranean rhythm and style, with the exception of Potkolo — the oldest Konavle dance performed in an open circle, which shows similarities to Macedonian dances.
The work of the Dance Section is rooted in the rich and long-standing dance tradition of Pridvorje. This tradition was continued through the formalisation of folkloric activity within the Society, transforming dance from everyday entertainment into organised folkloric practice.
For many years, the section was led by one of the Society’s founders, Stjepan Marinović, until his passing, after which leadership was assumed by senior members. Since 2021, the section has been led by Mateo Čanić, an experienced dancer and veteran of FA Linđo.
Mateo Čanić
Dance Section Leader
Under Mateo’s leadership, the Society has successfully performed at numerous folklore festivals and events in Croatia and throughout Europe. His passion is the preservation of folk traditions through creativity, precision, and the joy of movement.
More about Mateo
Mateo Čanić has been leading all age groups of the Dance Section of our Society since 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience as a performer and choreographer.
During his distinguished career, he has collaborated with numerous choreographers and folklore ensembles, taken part in dance, instrumental, and vocal workshops, and led school-based and children’s folklore groups.
He is the author of the folklore project Linđovo blago (2011–2014) and has realised numerous national and international collaborations in choreographic production. Since 2016, he has been the Artistic Director of KUD “Marko Marojica” from Župa dubrovačka, and since 2024, he has also led the children’s folklore section at Župa dubrovačka Primary School.
The Dance Section consists of three age groups
Children’s group
Brings together children from the 1st to the 5th grade of primary school.
Junior group
Brings together children from the 5th to the 8th grade of primary school.
Senior group
Brings together young men and women from the 1st year of secondary school onwards.
Instrumental and Vocal Section
The section operates through mandolin ensembles, a choir, and a klapa group, led by Rikard Kužnin and Andriano Čupić.
The Instrumental and Vocal Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” comprises two mandolin ensembles — senior and junior — along with a mixed choir and a mixed klapa ensemble.
Through the activities of these groups, the Society preserves and transmits the musical traditions of Konavle, the Dubrovnik area, and Dalmatia. The section leaders, Rikard Kužnin and Andriano Čupić, coordinate musical and vocal performances, contributing to the quality and distinctiveness of the Society’s appearances. The section regularly performs at concerts and folklore events in Croatia and abroad and participates in festivals and showcases, achieving notable recognition within the region’s musical and cultural life.
Rikard Kužnin
Leader of the Mandolin A Ensemble, Mixed Klapa, and Mixed Choir
Since 2022, Rikard Kužnin has led the award-winning Mandolin A Ensemble of our Society. A year later, he founded the mixed choir, followed by the mixed klapa ensemble in 2024, with which he has achieved numerous performances and notable successes. Through his extensive experience and musical talent, he brings together members of all ages through a distinctive sound shaped by folklore, klapa, and choral music.
More about Rikard
Rikard is a soloist and assistant orchestra leader at FA Linđo in Dubrovnik. He is a multi-instrumentalist — playing eight instruments — and performs as a singer in both male and mixed klapa ensembles. For over 30 years, he has been a member of the klapa Ragusavecchia from Cavtat, with which he has won numerous awards and recorded two award-winning albums. He has also led the mixed klapa Mareta and the female klapa Skontradura.
His leadership brings together authenticity and musical excellence, a combination that has become a defining feature of the Society’s work.
Andriano Čupić
Leader of the Mandolin B Ensemble
Since 2024, Andriano Čupić has led the Mandolin B Ensemble of our Society. He began his musical journey at KUU Napredak as a guitarist and berda player, and continued his education at the Dubrovnik Music School, where he completed his studies in double bass. Since 2023, he has been an amateur member of FA Linđo, performing as a double bass player.
More about Andriano
In addition to folk music, Andriano also has a strong passion for rock ’n’ roll — he has played in three bands and currently performs with Rock Palace. Through his positive energy and enthusiasm, he brings a fresh dynamic to the mandolin ensemble and encourages younger members in their musical development and sense of community.
Junior Mandolin Section
Leader: Andriano Čupić
The Junior Mandolin Section consists of eight members and has been led by Andriano Čupić since 2025. He succeeded the long-time leader and mentor Mijo Radović, known as “Dundo Mijo,” who devoted ten years to teaching younger generations of mandolin players. Both mandolin sections perform traditional songs from the Dubrovnik and Konavle regions, as well as music characteristic of the Dalmatian cultural area.
Senior Mandolin Section
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Senior Mandolin Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2015 in Pridvorje and has been active continuously since then, performing traditional music from the Dalmatian and Dubrovnik areas.
More about the section
Over the years, the section has passed through several generations and leaders, and since 2022 it has been successfully led by Rikard Kužnin. The current ensemble consists of: Ana Mujo, Dominik Rašica, Mario Đuka, Toni Bunda, Pavo Bunda, Ivan Klečak, Adriano Klečak, Andriano Čupić, Miho Radin, Matija Mujo, and Ivan Letunić.
Mixed klapa ensemble
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Mixed Klapa Ensemble of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2023 in Pridvorje. In addition to singing, all members are also active as dancers within the Society, reflecting a deep connection to the traditions and customs of their native Konavle region. This multifaceted involvement is what makes the Society a true “klapa” in the original sense of the word — a community united by a shared love of music and tradition.
More about the section
The klapa’s first performance was held in November 2023, following an invitation from the Croatian Cultural Centre in Novi Sad. Since then, the ensemble has regularly appeared at the Society’s folklore events, including guest performances in Vienna (Austria) and Hrvatski Židan (Hungary) in 2024. In 2025, the klapa performed at the opening of the Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat and took part twice in the klapa gathering “Na me pogled tvoj obrati” in Cavtat, in both 2024 and 2025.
In July 2025, the ensemble had the honour of presenting its first solo concert at the Franciscan Monastery of St Blaise in Pridvorje, marking a significant milestone in its artistic growth.
A major accolade followed in July 2025, when the klapa made its debut at the prestigious Festival of Dalmatian Klapa in Omiš, the most important klapa festival in Croatia.
While its future repertoire will focus on researching and performing traditional songs and compositions from Konavle and the southernmost region of Croatia, the Mixed Klapa Ensemble of KUD “Stjepan Radić” remains open to performing the full spectrum of standard Dalmatian a cappella repertoire.
Mixed Choir
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Mixed Choir of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2022 and brings together around twenty members — current and former participants of the Society’s other sections, as well as enthusiasts of Konavle and its cultural heritage.
More about the section
Initially, the choir was founded with the aim of preserving Christmas customs and carols of southern Croatia, but over time it has expanded its repertoire to include other forms of folk singing as well as selected works of classical music.
The choir regularly performs at the Society’s events, presenting traditional songs from Konavle and compositions from the Dubrovnik region. Over the past three years, it has also presented its own concert, Traditional Carols and Christmas Songs, at the Monastery of St Blaise in Pridvorje.
The choir has also participated in the Society’s guest performances in Sremski Karlovci (2023) and Novi Sad, as well as in Gradišće and Vienna in Austria (2024).
Instrumental and Vocal Section
The section operates through mandolin ensembles, a choir, and a klapa group, led by Rikard Kužnin and Andriano Čupić.
Overview
The Instrumental and Vocal Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” comprises two mandolin ensembles — senior and junior — along with a mixed choir and a mixed klapa ensemble.
Through the activities of these groups, the Society preserves and transmits the musical traditions of Konavle, the Dubrovnik area, and Dalmatia. The section leaders, Rikard Kužnin and Andriano Čupić, coordinate musical and vocal performances, contributing to the quality and distinctiveness of the Society’s appearances. The section regularly performs at concerts and folklore events in Croatia and abroad and participates in festivals and showcases, achieving notable recognition within the region’s musical and cultural life.
Rikard Kužnin
Rikard Kužnin
Leader of the Mandolin A Ensemble, Mixed Klapa, and Mixed Choir
Since 2022, Rikard Kužnin has led the award-winning Mandolin A Ensemble of our Society. A year later, he founded the mixed choir, followed by the mixed klapa ensemble in 2024, with which he has achieved numerous performances and notable successes. Through his extensive experience and musical talent, he brings together members of all ages through a distinctive sound shaped by folklore, klapa, and choral music. Rikard is a soloist and assistant orchestra leader at FA Linđo in Dubrovnik.
He is a multi-instrumentalist — playing eight instruments — and performs as a singer in both male and mixed klapa ensembles.
For over 30 years, he has been a member of the klapa Ragusavecchia from Cavtat, with which he has won numerous awards and recorded two award-winning albums. He has also led the mixed klapa Mareta and the female klapa Skontradura.
His leadership brings together authenticity and musical excellence, a combination that has become a defining feature of the Society’s work.
Andriano Čupić
Andriano Čupić
Leader of the Mandolin B Ensemble
Since 2024, Andriano Čupić has led the Mandolin B Ensemble of our Society. He began his musical journey at KUU Napredak as a guitarist and berda player, and continued his education at the Dubrovnik Music School, where he completed his studies in double bass. Since 2023, he has been an amateur member of FA Linđo, performing as a double bass player.
In addition to folk music, Andriano also has a strong passion for rock ’n’ roll — he has played in three bands and currently performs with Rock Palace. Through his positive energy and enthusiasm, he brings a fresh dynamic to the mandolin ensemble and encourages younger members in their musical development and sense of community.
Junior Mandolin Section
Junior Mandolin Section
Leader: Andriano Čupić
The Junior Mandolin Section consists of eight members and has been led by Andriano Čupić since 2025. He succeeded the long-time leader and mentor Mijo Radović, known as “Dundo Mijo,” who devoted ten years to teaching younger generations of mandolin players. Both mandolin sections perform traditional songs from the Dubrovnik and Konavle regions, as well as music characteristic of the Dalmatian cultural area.
Senior Mandolin Section
Senior Mandolin Section
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Senior Mandolin Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2015 in Pridvorje and has been active continuously since then, performing traditional music from the Dalmatian and Dubrovnik areas.
Over the years, the section has passed through several generations and leaders, and since 2022 it has been successfully led by Rikard Kužnin. The current ensemble consists of: Ana Mujo, Dominik Rašica, Mario Đuka, Toni Bunda, Pavo Bunda, Ivan Klečak, Adriano Klečak, Andriano Čupić, Miho Radin, Matija Mujo, and Ivan Letunić.
Mixed klapa ensemble
Mixed klapa ensemble
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Mixed Klapa Ensemble of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2023 in Pridvorje. In addition to singing, all members are also active as dancers within the Society, reflecting a deep connection to the traditions and customs of their native Konavle region. This multifaceted involvement is what makes the Society a true “klapa” in the original sense of the word — a community united by a shared love of music and tradition.
The klapa’s first performance was held in November 2023, following an invitation from the Croatian Cultural Centre in Novi Sad. Since then, the ensemble has regularly appeared at the Society’s folklore events, including guest performances in Vienna (Austria) and Hrvatski Židan (Hungary) in 2024. In 2025, the klapa performed at the opening of the Epidaurus Festival in Cavtat and took part twice in the klapa gathering “Na me pogled tvoj obrati” in Cavtat, in both 2024 and 2025.
In July 2025, the ensemble had the honour of presenting its first solo concert at the Franciscan Monastery of St Blaise in Pridvorje, marking a significant milestone in its artistic growth.
A major accolade followed in July 2025, when the klapa made its debut at the prestigious Festival of Dalmatian Klapa in Omiš, the most important klapa festival in Croatia.
While its future repertoire will focus on researching and performing traditional songs and compositions from Konavle and the southernmost region of Croatia, the Mixed Klapa Ensemble of KUD “Stjepan Radić” remains open to performing the full spectrum of standard Dalmatian a cappella repertoire.
Mixed choir
Mixed choir
Leader: Rikard Kužnin
The Mixed Choir of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” was founded in 2022 and brings together around twenty members — current and former participants of the Society’s other sections, as well as enthusiasts of Konavle and its cultural heritage.
Initially, the choir was founded with the aim of preserving Christmas customs and carols of southern Croatia, but over time it has expanded its repertoire to include other forms of folk singing as well as selected works of classical music.
The choir regularly performs at the Society’s events, presenting traditional songs from Konavle and compositions from the Dubrovnik region. Over the past three years, it has also presented its own concert, Traditional Carols and Christmas Songs, at the Monastery of St Blaise in Pridvorje.
The choir has also participated in the Society’s guest performances in Sremski Karlovci (2023) and Novi Sad, as well as in Gradišće and Vienna in Austria (2024).
Traditional heritage section
It is not only a guardian of the past, but also a quiet and steadfast transmitter of tradition into the present.
The Traditional Heritage Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” preserves the most delicate, yet most valuable threads of Konavle’s identity — customs, skills, language, and dress passed down through generations.
Through music, spoken word, weaving, and movement, it ensures that the lived heritage of our ancestors continues to have a place in contemporary Konavle society.
Konavle Wedding Toast
In 2021, this tradition was proclaimed an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
A special segment of the Traditional Heritage Section is the preservation of the art of delivering the Konavle wedding toast — a ceremonial, deeply symbolic form of speech originating in wedding customs, which today is also spoken on the most important occasions of life.
Learn more
The toast invokes God’s blessing and conveys personal wishes of health, happiness, love, and joy – not only to the newlyweds, but to all who are present and have the opportunity to hear it.
The KUD systematically works to preserve its practitioners and to pass this valuable knowledge on to younger generations.
Konavle Embroidery and Traditional Costume
The making of Konavle embroidery is a delicate traditional craft that was inscribed in 2015 on the list of protected intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
The section is systematically engaged in preserving, restoring, and maintaining the folk costume fund, with particular emphasis on the women’s Konavle costume, which many consider one of the most beautiful in Croatia.
Traditional Instruments
Their sound evokes the spirit of bygone times and preserves the authenticity of folkloric performance.
Instruments such as the lijerica, whose archaic and deeply rooted sound still resonates throughout the Dubrovnik region and the wider Mediterranean area, as well as the mijeh, are an essential part of Konavle’s musical tradition. They are performed both independently and as musical accompaniment to the dances of the dance section.
Traditional heritage section
It is not only a guardian of the past, but also a quiet and steadfast transmitter of tradition into the present.
Overview
The Traditional Heritage Section of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Stjepan Radić” preserves the most delicate, yet most valuable threads of Konavle’s identity — customs, skills, language, and dress passed down through generations.
Through music, spoken word, weaving, and movement, it ensures that the lived heritage of our ancestors continues to have a place in contemporary Konavle society.
Konavoska Svadbena zdravica
Konavoska Svadbena zdravica
Ova je tradicija 2021. godine proglašena nematerijalnim kulturnim dobrom Republike Hrvatske.
Poseban segment Tradicijske sekcije čini njegovanje umijeća govorenja konavoske svadbene zdravice — svečanog, duboko simboličnog govora koji je potekao iz svadbenih običaja, a danas se izriče i u najvažnijim životnim trenucima.
Zdravica zaziva Božji blagoslov te prenosi osobne želje zdravlja, sreće, ljubavi i veselja – ne samo mladencima, već svima koji su joj nazočni i koji je imaju priliku čuti.
KUD sustavno radi na očuvanju njezinih nositelja i prijenosu ovog vrijednog znanja na mlađe naraštaje.
Konavoska Svadbena zdravica
Konavle Wedding Toast
In 2021, this tradition was proclaimed an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
A special segment of the Traditional Heritage Section is the preservation of the art of delivering the Konavle wedding toast — a ceremonial, deeply symbolic form of speech originating in wedding customs, which today is also spoken on the most important occasions of life.
The toast invokes God’s blessing and conveys personal wishes of health, happiness, love, and joy – not only to the newlyweds, but to all who are present and have the opportunity to hear it.
The KUD systematically works to preserve its practitioners and to pass this valuable knowledge on to younger generations.
Embroidery and Costume
Konavle Embroidery and Traditional Costume
The making of Konavle embroidery is a delicate traditional craft that was inscribed in 2015 on the list of protected intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
The section is systematically engaged in preserving, restoring, and maintaining the folk costume fund, with particular emphasis on the women’s Konavle costume, which many consider one of the most beautiful in Croatia.
Traditional Instruments
Traditional Instruments
Their sound evokes the spirit of bygone times and preserves the authenticity of folkloric performance.
Instruments such as the lijerica, whose archaic and deeply rooted sound still resonates throughout the Dubrovnik region and the wider Mediterranean area, as well as the mijeh, are an essential part of Konavle’s musical tradition. They are performed both independently and as musical accompaniment to the dances of the dance section.
GLAZBENO-VOKALNA
TRADICIJSKA SEKCIJA
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