- by croatiaweek
- January 22, 2026
-
in
Entertainment
(Photo: LADO)
Zagreb, 22 January 2026 – Croatia’s national folk ensemble, Ansambl LADO, has marked the beginning of 2026 with significant artistic promotions, recognising long-standing excellence within its ranks.
Four dancer-singers have been promoted to principal artist (prvak) status, while, for the first time in the ensemble’s 77-year history, two orchestra soloists have been appointed concertmasters.
The promotions were confirmed by LADO’s artistic leadership, headed by Artistic Director Zrinka Posavec, and represent the highest professional recognition within Croatia’s only national folk ensemble.
These honours acknowledge decades of dedication, artistic achievement and contribution to the preservation and performance of Croatian traditional music and dance.
New Principal Dancer-Singers of Ansambl LADO
The newly appointed principal dancer-singers are Sandra Sekula, Pavo Begovac, Nenad Malić and Goran Sekula, all of whom have built distinguished careers within the ensemble.
Sandra Sekula, a member of Ansambl LADO since 2000, has spent 25 years performing a wide range of solo roles. From 2018 to 2020, she served as the ensemble’s dance leader and was also involved in LADO’s first dramatic production, DVA/LICA.
She describes her promotion as a great honour, recognising the generations of dancer-singers whose work has shaped LADO’s national and international reputation.
Pavo Begovac has been with the ensemble for 17 years and has become one of its most recognisable artistic figures. Known for his distinctive voice and exceptional commitment, Begovac has left a strong mark on LADO’s sound and contemporary artistic identity.
He noted that only a small number of artists have been named principals throughout LADO’s history, making the title a meaningful acknowledgment of sustained professionalism and dedication.
This year marks 20 years in the ensemble for Nenad Malić, who performs almost the entire dance repertoire. His technical assurance, stage presence and consistency have established him as one of the leading dancer-singers of his generation.
Goran Sekula, employed by Ansambl LADO since 1999, is particularly noted for his refined dance style and artistic maturity. He considers his promotion to principal status an exceptional privilege and a confirmation of decades of effort, a distinction awarded to only a select few artists in the ensemble’s history.
First-Ever Concertmasters in LADO’s History
In a landmark development, Ansambl LADO has also appointed its first concertmasters since the ensemble’s founding in 1949. The titles have been awarded to orchestra soloists Branimir Ranogajec and Stjepan Večković.
Branimir Ranogajec, a long-serving soloist and first violin of the LADO Orchestra, plays a central role in shaping performances. He sets tempos, initiates choreographies and guides the ensemble through concert conclusions with confidence and precision.
(Photo: LADO)
His violin playing is distinguished by a deep understanding of folk tradition combined with an individual artistic approach, creating a highly expressive musical style.
Stjepan Večković has been a prominent figure in Ansambl LADO for decades. A musician and instrument specialist, he is credited with reintroducing numerous traditional instruments into LADO’s repertoire and successfully adapting them for contemporary stage performance with expertise and authenticity.
The newly promoted principal dancer-singers and concertmasters now join a small and distinguished group of artists who hold these prestigious titles within Ansambl LADO.
