'Christmas is Here' for Pittsburgh's Croatians

Pittsburgh has one of the country's largest concentrations of Croatians, which is probably a major reason for the appearance of “Christmas is Here — Mir na Zemlji,” playing Dec. 4 at the August Wilson Center, Downtown.

“Mir na Zemlji” translates as Peace on Earth, and the concert features the sounds of a traditional Croatian Christmas.

Leading the way will be the Croatian Radio-Television Tamburitza Orchestra. This is the orchestra's second visit to the United States. They have toured Australia, Malaysia, Canada and dozens of European cities.

Joining them will be the Croatian Navy choral group Klapa Sv. Juraj, and a range of renowned soloists — Krunoslav “Kico” Slabinac, Sandra Bagaric and Gianni Stipanicev — will perform.

The tamburitza — a stringed, guitarlike instrument related to the Italian mandolin and the Russian balalaika — is the national instrument of Croatia. It's been a staple of music in the Balkans since the 14th century.

Tickets for the Dec. 4 show are $38.25 to $53.25.

Details: 412-456-6666 or trustarts.culturaldistrict.org