Folk Arts - Master Artist - Alma Franulovich Plancich

Alma Planich was born in Vela Luka, on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The Dalmatian singing that was included in activities both big and small followed Planich’s family when they moved to the United States. Much of the traditional style of Dalmatian music no longer truly exists in Croatia, so Planich and her family have done a great service by keeping their cultural tradions alive.

Dalmatian singing is music related to the sea, is usually sung without instruments, and is unique in its close harmonies. In the 1970s, Planich formed a singing group with her sister Binki Franulovic Spahi named Ruze Dalmatinke. Her group keeps many of the traditional functions of Dalmatian singing by performing at funerals, weddings, and baptisms for the Croatian community.

Planich’s singing group has joined with her sister, Maria’s, dance group, the Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble to share music with both the Croatian community and communities beyond in the Pacific Northwest. They have presented many performances for public audiences and have produced three commercial recordings of their music.

Planich also co-founded and directs an annual two-day CroatiaFest to celebrate both her home town of Vela Luka and the whole country of Croatia.

In 2009, Alma Planich was awarded a Folk Arts Fellowship in recognition of her cultural contribution to Croatian and non-Croatian communities alike.