Golden Age

Ivan Repušić, a true Croatian conducting star, delights audiences with his performances, whether in concerts with Europe’s finest orchestras or at the helm of demanding productions at leading opera houses. His many activities, which since last year have included the post of General Music Director of the renowned Leipzig Opera, also include a prolific recording career. As chief conductor of the Munich Radio Orchestra, he recorded Golden Age, an album dedicated to the golden age of bel canto, with “two of today’s most thrilling voices” – soprano Erin Morley and tenor Lawrence Brownlee. The album was met with glowing acclaim; The New York Times included it among the best classical recordings of 2025 and BBC Radio 3 also recommended it: “For lovers of the human voice – those enchanted by the full range of its expressive possibilities as well as opera connoisseurs drawn to the beauties of bel canto – Golden Age offers true delight.”

Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee, regular guest soloists at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, praised for their technical brilliance, stylistic refinement and exceptional stage presence, now come to Zagreb to join forces with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb under the baton of maestro Ivan Repušić and share with us a celebration of the brilliant world of 19th-century opera and the timeless beauty of the golden age of bel canto.

The Orchestra and Chorus of the Opera of the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb form the foundation of the musical life of this national institution. The permanent orchestra was established in 1870 with the arrival of Ivan von Zajc and gradually developed into an ensemble that, in addition to opera and ballet productions, also takes part in concert life. The Opera Chorus was founded the same year and has since grown into a professional ensemble recognized for its rich repertoire, which includes nearly all major international and Croatian operatic works as well as numerous Croatian premieres. Throughout their history, both ensembles have brought together distinguished artists and conductors and achieved notable international guest appearances, affirming their high artistic standard and lasting importance in Croatian and European culture.

Giuseppe Verdi: La forza del destino, opera overture

Giuseppe Verdi: “Gualtier Maldè... Caro nome,” Gilda’s aria from Act 1 of the opera Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi: “Ella mi fu rapita!... Parmi veder le lagrime,” the Duke of Mantua’s aria from Act 2 of the opera Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi: “Vedi, le fosche notturne spoglie,” Gypsy Chorus from Act 2 of the opera Il trovatore

Jacques Offenbach: “Les oiseaux dans la charmille,” Olympia’s aria from Act 1 of the opera The Tales of Hoffmann

Gaetano Donizetti: “Tombe degl’avi miei... Fra poco a me ricovero,” Edgardo’s aria from Act 3 of the opera Lucia di Lammermoor

Charles Gounod: “Déposons les armes” (“Gloire immortelle”), Soldiers’ Chorus from Act 4 of the opera Faust

Gaetano Donizetti: “Caro elisir! Sei mio!... Esulti pur la barbara,” duet of Adina and Nemorino from Act 1 of the opera L’elisir d’amore

Georges Bizet: “Les voici! Voici la quadrille!,” chorus from Act 4 of the opera Carmen

Gaetano Donizetti: “Ah! mes amis... Pour mon âme,” Tonio’s aria from Act 1 of the opera La fille du régiment

Léo Delibes: “Où va la jeune Indoue” (“Bell Song”), Lakmé’s aria from Act 2 of the opera Lakmé

Georges Bizet: “Farandole,” from Suite No. 2 from L’Arlésienne

Gaetano Donizetti: “Quoi! Vous m’aimez?... De cet aveu si tendre,” duet of Marie and Tonio from Act 1 of the opera La fille du régiment