Lado Members

Lado Ensemble is a Croatian folk music and dance group that serves as the national folk ensemble of Croatia. Founded in 1949, its mission has always been to preserve and showcase the rich traditions of Croatian music and dance on stage. Often called Croatia’s most successful “cultural export product”, Lado has enchanted international audiences with authentic folk performances and dazzling costumes. It stands out as a cultural ambassador, bringing Croatia’s heritage to the world.

Founding and Mission

Lado was established on November 11, 1949, in Zagreb by its first artistic director, Zvonko Ljevaković. Backed by the Croatian authorities of the time, the ensemble was created to research, collect, and artistically present the most beautiful examples of Croatian folk songs and dances. The name “Lado” itself is an archaic Slavic word meaning good or loving – it appeared as a joyful refrain in old ritual songs. From the beginning, the group’s vision was clear: celebrate Croatia’s diverse regional traditions and keep them alive for future generations. This founding mission laid the groundwork for Lado’s role as a living repository of folk culture.

Cultural Importance and Global Reach

In Croatia, Lado Ensemble holds a special status as the only national professional folk ensemble in the country. It has been touring nearly the entire world during its 75-year history, serving as a proud representative of Croatian culture abroad. The ensemble’s performances represent the musical and dance heritage of all Croatian regions – from the Adriatic coast to the mountains and plains – making Lado a symbol of national identity.

Internationally, Lado is cherished for its high-energy shows and intricate choreography. It has performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London and St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, among many others. Thanks to these global tours, Lado has earned admiration as a bridge between Croatia and the rest of the world, truly living up to its “cultural export” reputation.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Over the decades, Lado Ensemble has compiled an impressive list of achievements. Early on, it won first prize at the 1954 Llangollen International Eisteddfod in the U.K. Since then, Lado has collected dozens of awards and honors worldwide. The ensemble has received numerous Porin Awards (Croatia’s top music award) – including a Porin Lifetime Achievement in 2002 – and earned the Orlando Award in 2003 for outstanding festival performance. In 2006, Lado was recognized with the INA Award for promoting Croatian culture internationally. The group’s recordings have also gained acclaim: in 2013 Lado earned two nominations at the Independent Music Awards in the United States (for Best World Music Album and Song).

Lado continually embraces innovation as well. In 2002 it launched the LADO Electro project, blending traditional folk tunes with electronic music under then-director Ivan Ivančan. The resulting album LADO Electro (2003) topped Croatian music charts and was hailed among the best Croatian albums of that era. This fusion of old and new proved Lado’s creativity, leading to high-profile performances – from opening a World Handball Championship to special concerts at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Eurovision 2005: Vukovi umiru sami

Lado Ensemble’s fame even reached the Eurovision stage. In 2005, members of Lado performed as backing singers and dancers for Croatian pop star Boris Novković in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song “Vukovi umiru sami” (Wolves Die Alone) featured Lado’s performers, who brought authentic folk flair to the act. Dressed in traditional costumes and singing harmonies, the ensemble’s dancers added a distinctive Croatian cultural element to the performance. The entry successfully qualified for the Eurovision final and finished 11th overall, gaining Europe-wide exposure. 

Musical and Choreographic Style

The hallmark of Lado’s style is the authentic presentation of Croatia’s folk music and choreography. The ensemble consists of about 37–38 versatile dancers who also sing in lush vocal harmonies while performing. They can transform from a dance troupe into an impressive folk choir at a moment’s notice. Accompanying them is Lado’s orchestra of ~15 musicians who play around 50 traditional instruments, from fiddles and bagpipes to tamburitza and flutes.

Lado’s repertoire spans over a hundred diverse dance choreographies and hundreds of songs, drawn from all regions of Croatia. Each performance is a colorful journey through village celebrations, love songs, work chants, and lively kolo circle dances. The group is often dubbed a “dancing museum” for its collection of more than 1,200 priceless folk costumes, some over a century old. These hand-embroidered costumes – from elaborate silk dresses to woolen vests – bring visual authenticity to every number. Lado’s choreographers take care to preserve traditional steps and styles, while also creating new arrangements based on folk motifs. 

Directors and Choreographers

Over the years, Lado Ensemble has been guided by a line of dedicated directors and choreographers. Founder Zvonko Ljevaković set the standard in 1949, establishing Lado’s artistic vision and many original choreographies. In subsequent decades, renowned ethnographer and choreographer Dr. Ivan Ivančan took the helm, greatly expanding Lado’s repertoire and introducing innovative projects like the LADO Electro fusion concept. Under Ivančan’s leadership, the ensemble continued to earn awards and international invitations.

In 2016, his son Andrija Ivančan assumed the role of artistic director, continuing the family legacy of folkloric expertise. Today, the ensemble is led by Zrinka Posavec, the current artistic director, who curates programs that respect tradition while appealing to modern audiences. Lado has also worked with countless other notable choreographers, music arrangers, and folklorists in its journey. T

Ongoing Work

Lado Ensemble continues to thrive as a living symbol of Croatian culture. The year 2024 marked Lado’s 75th anniversary, which the group celebrated with special tours and festive concerts across Croatia. For example, Lado concluded its 75th year with a series of Christmas concerts showcasing traditional carols from various regions, curated by director Zrinka Posavec. These annual Christmas performances have been a beloved tradition since 1990, and they highlight the ensemble’s commitment to both sacred and secular folk music. Lado also continues to break new ground internationally. In late 2024, the ensemble toured Latin America for the first time, with performances and workshops in Mexico that strengthened cultural ties abroad.