Bend-it! Orchestra

The story of Bend-it! Orchestra began in 2017, when a group of young musicians from Marezige wanted to revive the big band tradition after the decline of the local Hrošči. Just a year later, they started rehearsing and creating music—initially under the guidance of saxophonist Lovro Ravbar, and today under the baton of trumpeter Primož Štefančič. The ensemble includes both professional and student musicians, creating an exceptional blend of fresh energy and musical maturity. Their regular vocalist, Manca Kozlovič, with her stage presence, further amplifies the emotional intensity of their performances.  

Bend-it! Orchestra has already performed at numerous venues both in Slovenia and abroad, including the Jazz Club Ljubljana Castle, the FIMU Festival in France, and, of course, MareziJazzu—the largest European big band festival, co-created by members of the society from which the band was born. With a diverse genre repertoire and a rebellious creative spirit, they perform not only classic big band standards but also original compositions and arrangements—striving to find their unique, genuinely Istrian sound.