Zagreb Classic: Can It Get any Prettier and More Romantic?
The sounds of excellent classical music in the open air, a pretty ambience of a historical square in Zagreb and a unique atmosphere are a greeting to a memorable summer and a reason to revisit Zagreb.
There are many signs pointing to the fact that summer has arrived in Zagreb, but one is very special. It is one of the favourites of citizens and visitors of the city: sounds, images and ambience in perfect harmony. It is the open-air festival Zagreb Classic, which will take place from 19 June to 3 July. In the beautiful ambience of the historical King Tomislav Square, in the very city centre, excellent musicians from Croatia and the world will allow everyone to enjoy beautiful sounds of classical music, and make summer evenings in the open air in Zagreb unforgettable.
This year, classical music lovers will be able to enjoy nine concerts, four out of which are performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra along with numerous soloists. Of course, children have not been forgotten; there is a special programme for them a bit earlier in the day. But these are just numbers, and behind them is a unique feeling and atmosphere, a performance of renowned musicians and the delight of beautiful melodies.
On 19 June, the first day of the Zagreb Classic, audience will enjoy the concert Bahrami plays Bach performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by soloist Ramin Bahrami on the piano and conductor Dawid Runtz. On Sunday, 21 June, concert Bach Is in the Air will be performed by two famous pianists, Ramin Bahrami and Danilo Rea.
Two days later, on 23 June, the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra will give a concert entitled Galliano vs. Galliano accompanied by a soloist on the accordion, Richard Galliano and conducted by Jan Talich.
On 26 June, the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra will perform the programme entitled Seducers and Lovers, accompanied by soprano Josipa Lončar, baritone Ljubomir Puškarić and violinist Liya Petrova, conducted by Barbara Dragan. On Sunday, 28 June, audience of Zagreb Classic will attend the concert Trumpet Extraordinaire performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by soloist Matilda Lloyd on the trumpet. Soloists, choir and orchestra of Zagreb City Theatre Komedija along with conductor Krešimir Batinić will make 30 June a true A Celebration of Musical Theatre, not just because of the name but by offering a genuine experience. On 1 July, the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by David Pfeffer will perform music by composers Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky along with Polina Osetinskaya on the piano. On the last dan of this year’s edition of Zagreb Classic, Golden Age Orchestra and the choir of the Croatian National Theatre, accompanied by soloists, tenor Lawrence Brownlee and soprano Erin Morley, will provide an excellent music experience to audience in Zagreb with their performances.
There is a special programme dedicated to children. At 19 on 21 June, which is the World Music Day, they will listen to and watch the programme Toys and Music at the Park performed by the famous Playtoy Orchestra. It is an interesting programme in terms of music and performance that will take place at the Music Pavillion of the Zrinjevac Park at 19, while all the programmes in King Tomislav Square start at 21.
The ambience of King Tomislav Square certainly contributes to the pleasure of attractive classical music programme. The square is dominated by the historical Music Pavilion, the statue of king Tomislav, the fountain and wonderful flowerbeds. To be experienced on a green patch, along with a relaxed atmosphere and casual clothes, Zagreb Classic is probably the most beautiful and romantic welcome to a summer in Zagreb you can imagine.